Abstract
Oases worldwide are unique agrosystems adapted to adverse climatic conditions. Morocco is known for having several oases constituting breathtaking landscapes, especially in the southern areas of the country. However, in recent years several oases have lost their attractiveness because of social factors. These agrosystems that were once productive under extreme climatic conditions are being neglected leading to an unpredictable future. If there are no attempts to restore them they will revert back to their initial desert state. This paper focuses on the importance of these agrosystems as among the best adapted to harsh climatic conditions, and therefore their conservation as sound and as sustainable as possible against climate change. Moroccan oases have developed water management practices, crops and animal husbandry that are adapted to local conditions and sociocultural behaviour. Water mobilization, distribution, and utilisation as well as traditionally cultivated crops are investigated in relation to their importance to local livelihood. Highlighting oasis assets and introducing better management practices will certainly contribute to their appreciation by the young generation and enhance the resilience of these agrosystems to climate change. It is well established that marginal lands are the ones that will be most affected by climate change.
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Chehbouni, J., Elhadioui, L., Tlemçani, NE.B., Daadaoui, L., Daoud, S., Harrouni, C. (2022). Enhancing the Resilience of Oasis Agrosystems to Climate Change in Morocco. In: Leal Filho, W., Manolas, E. (eds) Climate Change in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Region. Climate Change Management. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78566-6_11
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