0011-C4
Omar Mhirit and Mohamed Et-Tobi 1
This paper introduces the ecological and social context of the south Mediterranean subregion, i.e. North Africa or the Maghreb, and suggests a classification system for trees outside forests (TOF) stands, in relation to their area extension and their social and economical importance. The system classifies the TOF stands into seven types:
The economic, environmental, social and cultural roles and functions of these TOF types, as well as their relevant institutional and prescribed mechanisms, are also analysed. Finally, a series of measures and actions are suggested, to promote the development of these TOF types, notably through their integration in land use.
TOF may be considered as natural or artificial plants growing outside forest, generally in farmed lands, Pasture lands, Fallows, along the road, in inhabited urban and rural areas, home gardens, sacred forest, etc... They are generally protected for goods (wood, food, fodder; etc...), services (soil fertility improvement, watershed protection, Chad and shelter, ornamentation, road protection, etc...), medicine and socio-cultural purposes. Despite these multiple roles. TOF management is facing in Nord-Africa many difficulties (5;14).
TOF constitute a resource that has received surprisingly little systematic and synoptic attention, and it is only in the last about five years that managers and researchers in the field of natural resources are "discovering" it as a general concept; though the topic has been treated in different "sectors" for quite a while, like in agroforestry and urban forestry.
North African countries show similarities in some of their biological, ecological, social and economical characteristics, notably in terms of: limited water resources, large acreage of arid lands, high cover of rangelands, traditional livestock systems and a high human pressure (Box No 1). (1;6;9) With the exception of desert areas, significant proportions of these countries are wooded lands; more than 14 million ha, i.e. 10% of their total territories, are forest lands, including high elevation natural forests and other good forests stands (2;20;11;20).
In this region, tree plays several roles: ecological, social and economical. Elsewhere, during the immemorial period, tree was considered, under its various forms, as one of the most important elements of human needs.
The land classification shows four different categories: (i) Forest lands; (ii) other wooded lands, including shrublands, Alfa steppes (Stipa tennacissima) and Acacia browselands; (iii) lands with TOF and (iv) other land without TOF.
In relation to their spatial, social and economical importance in North Africa région, TOF systems are of seven types: (i) permanent wooded grazing lands; (ii) highly dense fruit orchards; (iii) sparsely fruit tree lands, comprising some particular species such as walnuts, figs, pomegranate..., located in familiar backyards; (iv) plantations for soil conservation, comprising stands of forest species, fruit trees or fodder crops; (v) green belt and road- alignment plantations; (vi) urban and peri-urban parks; and (vii) poplar trees (Box No 2).
Regarding land tenure and legislation, TOF fall under three types of property status: collective, private and state-owned; the collective status is the most common in this region.
TOF assessment reveals their high importance in regard to food security and poverty alleviation, economy and environment. Their effective contribution on rural populations incomes and urban well being are not to be denied (Box No 3).
TOF products supply many agro-industry sectors, provide a high contribution to the agricultural products exports, of the region, and enhance job market of rural areas (21).
TOF biological diversity includes seven systems and a wide variety of species (palms, olives, oranges, tangerines and lemons, decorative forest species, multiple uses species, forage, etc.)
The social and cultural motivations in the use of TOF may be found in the social status provided by the existence of trees on land, appreciated by rural populations as a valuable refuge, sign of security or adhesion to a social group or location, and human being prosperity.
The TOF dynamics and extent are shown with development of the great and medium hydraulics, agricultural investment codes and technical knowledge retained by a favorable market (Box No 4).
The TOF introduction is made through sector development plans supported by agricultural and rural investment codes, forest regulations and urban rights. TOF management is, however, the main responsibility of the department in charge of agriculture and forests as well as that of territory management and environment. (7;10)
Over a long period of time, natural resources management was based on the cultural richness and how-know of farmers as well as on the partnership and interdependent capacity of rural environment. The scientific knowledge deals particularly with the technical components and accessories: tree planting, valorization of forest products and genetic improvement (Box No 5). The technology transfer is carried out by national , regional and local structures of education, training and extension. (17;19)
Human pressure, soil erosion and ecosystems degradation are the major factors affecting management and dynamics of natural resources. The main constraints of such a situation are found in the complex land tenure status, " Melk, collective, state owned"; dispersion of plantations and reduced size of property and land splitting; multiple intervener and recipiendaris; inventory, appraisal and valorization of secondary product and services; low-state financial assistance to agriculture research and weakness in the systems of communication and information.
The promotion and integration of TOF in land use planning requires strategies and programs, stressing the decision makers' awareness and their willingness to pay a particular attention to the protection of natural resources as well as to a sustainable management of wooded lands (Box No 6).
Such strategies are to be based on a global and integrated approach, in which more consideration should be done to patrimony, partnership and territory aspects, coupled with the development of exports market and agro-industries. However, a real appreciation of TOF resources still requires efforts, in terms of "sensitization" and promotion, to ensure an optimal integration and concept adoption by institutions and public. (7;8;16)
Some actions and measures are required to ensure the TOF promotion and development. These are, notably:
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1 Director, Ecole Nationale Forestiere d'Ingenieurs Salé, Morocco. [email protected]