The book “Research for Development in the Dry Arab Region: The Cactus Flower” narrates the story behind the relationship between the poor rural communities in a dry area in Lebanon with the Environmental and Sustainable Unit () at the American University of Beirut and their journey with the community to manage sustainable resources. It captures the experience of ESDU work over 10 years in the field of exploring sustainable rural livelihoods of Arsal community in Lebanon. You can access the book in its English version at http://www.idrc.ca/EN/Resources/Publications/openebooks/220-1/index.html
And in its Arabic version at http://www.asp.com.lb/books
Hamadeh, Shadi, Haidar, Mona, and Zurayk, Rami. 2006. Reseach for Development in the Dry Arab Region, the cactus flower. Canada: International Development Research Centre. (http://www.idrc.ca/EN/Resources/Publications/openebooks/220-1/index.html)