11ZAQGM

AMSING ASSOCIATION
Morocco
PROJECT SUMMARY
English l Arabic
Amsing Association was eatsbalished by the villagers of Elmoudaa – an Amazirght
(Berber) community located in the High Atlas Mountains – to address economic
isolation, a lack of social services, and harsh climatic conditions. The association has
successfullyreintroduced a traditional land management practice called ‘azzayn’ which
bans herders from grazing their livestock on protected lands. The reintroduction of
this regulatory system has allowed native grasses and shrubs to thrive, reduced soil
erosion, and helped prevent flooding.
The association has also led a number of infrastructure projects to promote communitybased
adaptation to climate change. A ‘water chateau’ stores fresh water for use in
times of drought or when floods wash away irrigation ditches, while a water tower
provides local residents with access to clean drinking water. In addition to upgrading
the community irrigation system, the association has expanded greenhouse farming to
explore new crops and improve food security.