Lakiya was founded in 1985 as part of a government project to settle Bedouins in permanent settlements. It is one of the seven original government-planned Bedouin townships in the Negev desert. In December 2009, the town was ranked lowest in socio-economic standing, with an average income of 4,360 shekels compared to the national average of 7,070. Only 58.2% of grade twelve students are eligible to graduate from high school. In 1999 the first local council elections were held, with Sheikh Ibrahim Abu Maharab elected as council head. Abu Maharab was later succeeded by Khaled al-Sana.
Demographics
According to the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, the population of Lakiya was 9,943 in December 2010. Its annual growth rate is 3.1%. Lakiya's jurisdiction is 5,728 dunams. There are several Bedouin clans residing in Lakiya, al-Sana being the largest among them. Other families are: Al-Assad, Abu Ammar and Abu Maharab. Some clans don't live inside Lakiya, but on adjacent territory.
Economy
In 2013, Arab-Bedouin women from Lakiya and other Bedouin towns participated in a sewing course for fashion design at the Amal College in Beer Sheva, including lessons on sewing and cutting, personal empowerment and business initiatives.
Weaving and embroidery projects
The Lakiya Negev Weaving Project was founded in 1991, its aim is to empower Negev Bedouin women by applying their traditional weaving skills to the manufacture and sale of woven products. It is based completely on the unique Bedouin heritage passed on from mother to daughter. Approximately 130 Bedouin women are involved in this project in all the stages of the production from initial wool treatment, weaving the rugs, cushion covers and pouches, and selling. These women were provided guidance, professional consulting and hands-on assistance in the fields of marketing, branding, sales, the business's organizational structure and business plan, fundraising and networking. The project's aim was to make it a successful, profitable and financially independent cooperative business. It is about to succeed - several retailers and chains sell Bedouin traditional ground-looms all over Israel, including Haifa, and also abroad. A new visitors' center will be open soon but it has already become a tourist site. Another tourist site is the Desert Embroidery Project. Some 20 women completed their professional entrepreneurial and business training and guidance and initiated a project based on the design and production of the traditional Bedouin costume jewelry. They are producing this embroidery at home with traditional Bedouin motifs and decorations. The women also hold Bedouin embroidery workshops and events based on the Bedouin tradition. Their workshop is also a visitors' center and it is a famous tourist attraction in the area.
Healthcare
There are branches of several health funds in Lakiya: Leumit, Clalit and several Tipat Halav well baby clinics.
Education and culture
There are a number of schools in the township and a communal activity center.
