Le travail et sa contribution aux stratégies d'adaptation de petites exploitations agricoles familiales mixtes d'élevage bovin/polyculture au Maroc

Abstract

Work and its contribution to the adaptation strategies of smallholder family farms within mixed crop/livestock systems. Work and its management represent an adaptation opportunity for farms characterized by scarce land and capital resources. To verify this assumption, the "Work Balance" method was used in 30 family farms of different sizes and capital uses, located in the Saïss region (Centre East of Morocco). The study showed that small-scale farms (less than 1 ha) are generally specializing in cattle rearing, with an important share of endogenous work being dedicated to this activity. By contrast, farms with more land and capital tend to diversify their crops, resulting in an increased use of off farm staff, while at the same time maintaining livestock activity. The technical and economic performance of both groups (almost 1 ton of milk per cow per year supplied to collection centers by each group, but with a daily gross income per family member varying from 4.1 to 14.6 Euros) reveal that work is a key parameter within farming strategies. This suggests that additional studies need to be dedicated to farm work and its annual organization in order to gain a better understanding of the ongoing dynamics within farming systems.

Keywords

• Farmers
• labour allocation
• capital
• animal husbandry
• farmland
• Morocco