Extensive livestock farming
Parc National d'Ifrane et Association Karfour
Organization of livestock breeders into silvopastoral management associations
Extensive livestock farming
Parc National d'Ifrane et Association Karfour
Sheep farming is the main activity in the area. The number of livestock far exceeds the forage capacity of the forest rangelands. As a result, it is difficult to respect the parcels set aside for regeneration. However, the organization of livestock farmers into associations enables them to benefit from indemnities compensating them for the use of the cleared areas. This helps to regenerate the Atlas cedar, which is in danger of extinction.
The compensation agreement is governed by a commitment from the associations to respect the set-asides for regeneration,
-The compensation received is invested in infrastructure and equipment for livestock rearing and the purchase of feed;
-The organizations enable us to plan integrated development projects that make the most of the natural resources of all the pastoral parks and involve all social categories, especially young people and women.
There is a risk that the compensation received by the associations will be shared directly by the farmers, without the expected investments being made;
The herders themselves may serve as laborers to implement the actions contracted between the water and forestry department and the associations;
The associations need to be monitored and coached from the outset, so that they can grasp the concept of compensation and develop it into development projects.