Relation between perception of water scarcity, capabilities and coping strategies among traditional populations of the western High Atlas in Morocco: Case of the Anougal Valley

Abstract

The purpose of this study is focusing on the role of the individuals’ capabilities in terms of perceptions expressed and adapting strategies preferred relative to the water scarcity in the western High Atlas. Therefore, a survey was conducted among 246 individuals in the Anougal Valley. Concerning the variables used to capture this objective, six are summarizing the main indicators of individual capabilities, three are expressing the perceptions of water scarcity and two are formulating the individuals’ coping strategies preferred. The results showed that population is aware of the fact that droughts and floods weaken the water resources. To cope with this problem, individuals, with weak capabilities, prefer traditional strategies, while the others with strong capabilities choose modern strategies whose inducted effects can only degrade water. Thus, any development project aimed at improving the individuals’ capabilities without taking into account the local hydraulic heritage, risks compromising the sustainability of water resources in the western High Atlas.