Main drivers of mobility changes within camel herds: between tradition and modernity

Abstract

At the interaction between oases and deserts, camel systems have been identified as the most efficient in valorizing scarce resources (water, land and capital). These systems have recently witnessed important changes due to climate change, the modernization of living conditions and the evolutions in resources’ access and regulation (mainly water and land). Even if mobility remains the pillar of camel systems’ sustainability, its present configuration escapes all the ancient or a-priori models like nomadism or transhumance. This study aims to describe the recent changes in mobility management by camel breeders in Zagora region (Center Eastern Morocco) and identifies their main drivers. Two methodologies were used: a narrative approach to describe mobility management between generations and a holistic approach to understand the current diversity of mobility. This work was based on a survey conducted near 41 camel breeders during 2017, using a semi-structured questionnaire.