Local perceptions of human mobility in a context of environmental degradation

Keywords: Environmental Change, Human Mobility, Morocco, Local Perceptions
Abstract Type: Virtual Paper Abstract

Abstract

Environmental change constitutes a disruptive force in man-made and natural systems. The projected duplication of the frequency and duration of meteorological drought overall in the Northern Africa region, together with the rapid change in the irrigation practices in Morocco, among other factors, will lead to the unsustainable use of water resources. Adopting new agricultural practices has been part of the adaptive response to environmental change, mainly using new species that are more resilient and less water-intensive; however, the deterioration of water availability will further limit the various options. In the context of strong environmental degradation, mobility can be a possible solution for adapting or a consequence of failed attempts to adapt. This study focuses on a specific region in Morocco, Souss-Massa, which is a leading agricultural production region while facing issues with water availability and expansion of its arid areas. This case study seeks to map how human mobility fits into a broader adaptation response to environmental change. To achieve those objectives, the authors conducted semi-structured interviews with members of diverse communities of Souss-Massa on the perceptions of their vulnerability to the perceived causes and impacts of environmental change and human mobility. This presentation provides an overview of the preliminary results of the ongoing study. Finally, this study includes proposals developed with the community that address the reduction of vulnerabilities and improvement of quality of life into a broader frame of sustainable development of the community in the context of environmental change and human mobility.