Mostafa Errahj

Participatory analysis for adaptation to climate change in Mediterranean agricultural systems: possible choices in process design

There is an increasing call for local measures to adapt to climate change, based on foresight analyses in collaboration with actors. However, such analyses involve many challenges, particularly because the actors concerned may not consider climate change to be an urgent concern. This paper examines the methodological choices made by three research teams in the design and implementation of participatory foresight analyses to explore agricultural and water management options for adaptation to climate change. Case studies were conducted in coastal areas of France, Morocco, and Portugal where the groundwater is intensively used for irrigation, the aquifers are at risk or are currently overexploited, and a serious agricultural crisis is underway. When designing the participatory processes, the researchers had to address four main issues: whether to avoid or prepare dialogue between actors whose relations may be limited or tense; how to select participants and get them involved; how to facilitate discussion of issues that the actors may not initially consider to be of great concern; and finally, how to design and use scenarios. In each case, most of the invited actors responded and met to discuss and evaluate a series of scenarios. Strategies were discussed at different levels, from farming practices to aquifer management. It was shown that such participatory analyses can be implemented in situations which may initially appear to be unfavourable. This was made possible by the flexibility in the methodological choices, in particular the possibility of framing the climate change issue in a broader agenda for discussion with the actors.

Paving the Way for Social Learning When Governance Is Weak: Supporting Dialogue Between Stakeholders to Face a Groundwater Crisis in Morocco

Approaches to improve the governance of social–ecological systems are difficult to define in situations where governance is weak, that is, involving limited interactions between the actors and weak management of natural resources. This article analyzes an action research process implemented in the Chaouia coastal region of Morocco, where weak governance of the social–ecological system led to a groundwater and agricultural crisis. A dialogue between local actors was set up with the aim of identifying strategies to address the crisis. First separately and then together, farmers’ groups and staff members of public organizations analyzed the existing situation, scenarios for the future of the area, and strategies to cope with the crisis. Contrary to the expectations of the participants, farmers and staff members of public organizations had productive discussions. This approach clarified how social learning can be achieved and governance improved in this situation of weak governance.

The Seductive Power of an Innovation: Enrolling Non-conventional Actors in a Drip Irrigation Community in Morocco

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the motivations of non-conventional innovation actors to engage in innovation processes, how their involvement changed the technology and their own social-professional status, and to analyze their role in the diffusion of the innovation. Design/methodology/approach: We studied the innovation process of drip irrigation in Morocco. We interviewed 35 farmers in two villages, selected to represent a diversity of farms, and observed their drip irrigation systems. We interviewed several local artisans and traders, and intermediaries about their social-professional pathway, using a checklist to understand their motivations and their involvement with drip irrigation. Findings: We showed how a variety of non-conventional actors became involved in drip irrigation, leading to the progressive creation of an active inter-related socio-technical network involved in the sales, manufacturing, fitting, and use of drip irrigation systems. This network challenged an imported technology promoted by irrigation companies that targeted large-scale farmers, and transformed it into drip irrigation systems adapted to a wide range of situations and farmers, including small-scale farmers. The involvement of these actors led to reciprocal changes in the technology and in the socio-professional status of the intermediaries, hence accelerating the diffusion of the innovation. Practical implications: Understanding the motivations of non-conventional innovation actors helps comprehend the multiple pathways of innovation processes, and the socio-professional pathways of innovation actors. It is worth considering integrating these actors in state programs and other planned innovation processes, as they are near to field realities and to innovation users, and are able to adapt a technology to local requirements. Originality/value: The results of this study contribute to the scientific debate about the mutually beneficial alliance of non-conventional actors and technical innovations.

Participatory scenario planning for sustainable irrigated agriculture when actors seldom communicate: an experiment in Morocco

ABSTRACT In Morocco, agricultural activities based on groundwater use increasingly face risks of aquifer overdraft and market saturation. However, farmers and public organizations responsible for agriculture and water resources rarely communicate to identify how these risks could be overcome. A participatory scenario-planning process was organized in a small region to identify a pathway towards agricultural activities that are sustainable in terms of groundwater resource use and profitability. Actors jointly determined this pathway thanks to the organization of preparatory workshops held separately with each actor before they met together, and the progressive integration of agriculture development and groundwater use in scenario design.