Analysis of the evolution of the pastoral system of Eastern Morocco

Abstract

The pastoral system of the high plateaus of Eastern Morocco is characterized by extensive rangelands (3.2 million hectares) and the dominance of sheep breeding (1.2 million head). The study was conducted at Beni Mathar in the North, and Maatarka in the South. It addresses the issues of change in rangeland use and herd management, from the hypothesis of rangeland degradation followed by a decrease in grazing pressure. Dynamics are perceived by studying land use in 1970, 1988 and 2013. A survey involving 85 breeders and participatory workshops contributed to identify flock management types. The land use analysis shows a regression of good plant formations replaced by less valuable formations, and a decrease in rangeland forage. Concomitantly, there is a rise in the number of animals that are decreasingly mobile and increasingly supplemented (mainly barley and wheat bran cover 20–40% of needs), and a change in herd composition as the local Beni Guil breed is gradually replaced by the Ouled Djellal breed for its competitive market value. The history of the studied pastoral society shows resilience despite socioeconomic and climatic disturbances recorded since independence. Ranchers (over 200 ewes) benefit more from the range­lands and marketing than small farmers (less than 50 ewes) who are more at risk to abandon farming.