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Ingenious agricultural heritage in cold oases connected to collective grazing areas (Haut Atlas, Maroc)

Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

Year of publication 2014

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 21 p.

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Project

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) In the High Atlas mountains of Morocco, cold oases connected to rangelands and collective grazing areas have been created by Amazigh people despite extreme climate conditions. Throughout centuries of isolation, they have maintained their cultural heritage (agricultural, social, artisanal and linguistic). These people and their culture are today recognisd by the Moroccan Constitution as an integral part of national identity. Over many centuries, they have developed astute systems to manage natu ral resources, that are still in place today, to ensure food self sufficiency. Indeed, varieties of wheat, barley, corn, alfalfa, apricots, almonds… are exceptional, as well as varieties of aromatic and medicinal plants. There is also one bee species, and associated biodiversity (fishes (salmonids), mamals, reptiles…). The rational use of rangelands for grazing is well established; fertile areas (agdals) are controled by precise regulations dependent on rotational system (fallow time, and gra zing pressure limitation). Water management is controled by a local hydraulic and legal culture: century old conducts: khettaras, and customary right and institutions.

Language English

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