Analyse de la première expérience de reconversion collective vers l’irrigation localisée: cas du secteur pilote de Tadla

Abstract

In a context of water scarcity and competition between sectors (agriculture, industry, drinking water), the economy and valorization of irrigation water are presented as two important objectives in the water policy in Morocco. Conversion to drip irrigation is considered to be the main key to achieve these goals. The National Irrigation Water Saving Programme (PNEEI) aims the conversion of 710 000 ha on the horizon of 2022. The collective conversion is one of the five components of PNEEI and aims the conversion of large scale hydraulic sectors. This work analyses the process of the first collective conversion experience in the Tadla perimeter, which faces many challenges especially concerning the technical choices and the collective management of the water network and irrigations. This concerns particularly the adaptation of farmers to a new technique of irrigation, adaptation of managers of the collective water network to a new management and maintenance system, payment of royalties and accompanying farmers. In order to guarantee these conversion projects’ sustainability, the procedures could be adapted to field realities primarily by integrating farmers and taking into account their expectations not only in terms of crop rotation but also in management modes.