Importance Socio-économique du Safran pour les Ménages des Zones de Montagne de la Région de Taliouine-Taznakht au Maroc

Abstract

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. It has been grown in Morocco for centuries in the region of Taliouine-Taznakht, a region with a great saffron reputation nationally and internationally. It has been used for its culinary, medicinal and cosmetic properties. The objectives of this study are to assess the socio-economic importance of saffron for households of the mountainous areas of this region and to study its role of saffron in poverty and inequality reduction in those areas. We conducted a socio-economic survey among 264 households in six representative rural communities in the region. Saffron is the dominant source of income for these rural households, many of whom are poor. Saffron is a labor intensive crop, and women play a crucial role in the production of saffron. Saffron is a promising way to stimulate local development and help to alleviate poverty and inequality in that region.