Resilience of the pastoral component of Moroccan small ruminant systems in mountain areas

Small ruminant farming is the main rural occupation in mountain areas of Morocco. This activity subject to numerous pressures, including repeated climatic hazards that modify pastoral resource availability and trigger changes production systems. study aimed identify analyse utilisation resources acknowledged by farmers over past 40 years for small systems Central High Atlas region We hypothesised, on basis previous research, resilience component such increases with elevation. interviewed 50 three municipalities Azilal province, at moderate (800–1400 m), medium (1400–1800 m) high (1800–3000 elevations. In 1970–1980s, were abundant mobile flocks grazed collective rangelands. Subsequently, droughts increased stock numbers promoted agricultural policies led deterioration abundance quality, especially palatable plants. At elevations, wooded phytomass declined; erosion occurred Traditional diversified activities. livestock intensified, adoption a productive breed, concentrate distribution grazing fallow land. Currently, flock mobility limited rangelands provide less than 60% sheep requirements. persisted cost diversification greater mobility. Rangelands are still collectively managed almost 90% Since remain major feed source, can be considered as driver change The sustainability these elevations thus depends conservation rangeland.