Public interventions regarding pastoral activities in the Argane tree area in Morocco: continuities and changes Les interventions publiques concernant les activités pastorales dans l'arganeraie au Maoc: continuités et mutations En Fr

Résumé En

The historical context of public policies in Morocco introduces the analysis of the public projects in the argane tree area in Morocco. The study is devoted mainly to pastoral and livestock components of these policies. The complexity and diversity of land status and the social and cultural organization (agdal, mouchâa) are sum up as local characteristics of the argane tree area. To address the economic, social and environmental complex challenges faced by agriculture, the Moroccan government has implemented the Green Morocco Plan, (GMP) a rather innovative and proactive agricultural policy. Regarding the mountains and oasis hinterland, the GMP has created a 2nd Pillar dedicated to solidarity and small holders’ agriculture. The policies for livestock and pastoralism are analyzed through specific projects undertaken by the GMP with a special focus on their implementing conditions. A first observation is that the 2nd Pillar takes up rather systematically the strategic guidelines for rural development and the principles implemented by public policies in other countries like France (local products) or international organizations (defined by the Millenium Development Goals). Besides, they are still driven largely by dominant mental models based on competitiveness and a top - down vision of innovation which could be hardly compatible with principles of solidarity displayed for this Pillar. Meanwhile, the aims of the projects are very wide, and their elaborate operational objectives are generally not specified. Tensions between the major national objectives and the power relationships within each territory are real difficulties in defining and achieving these objectives with the likely pressures of the most influential players to defend their short-term interests. Some initiatives taken by local actors have nevertheless begun to be addressed by public authorities in a more participatory way. Strengthening experimental design, research and geographic information to better document the potential of each area, to know the markets and taking account of local organizational practices, know-how on land management would be likely to improve the effectiveness of these policies.