Morocco moves to eradicate begging

03/10/2007

A recent study revealed the most accurate figures to date on begging in Morocco. Officials hope to use the data to better adapt a programme launched last March to combat the social problem.

By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 03/10/07

[Getty Images] Children's involvement in begging is a rampant problem in Morocco.

The phenomenon of beggars is a major challenge for the Moroccan government. To address the root causes of the problem and to understand its full extent, the Ministry for Social Development, Families and Solidarity conducted a survey and announced the results on September 27th. A scientific inquiry throughout the country to evaluate the real size of the problem had never been carried out before.

Minister for Social Development, Families and Solidarity Abderrahim Harouchi said studies previously undertaken on the subject were more theoretical considerations. They have been useful in highlighting the problem of begging, but their evaluations were largely devoid of objective statistical methods.

The survey covered a sample of 3,400 beggars and showed that in most areas, one Moroccan in 150 is begging. According to demographics expert Najib Rassifi, there are 195,150 beggars in Morocco. "This figure is quite realistic, with a margin of error of only 5%." Women constitute approximately 51.1% of the country's mendicants.

The Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer region is home to the largest number of beggars, with a percentage of 21.8%, followed by the Greater Casablanca region with 17.8%. The area of Chaouia-Ouardigha-Abda Doukala recorded the lowest level, with just 6.8%. Whilst 34.6% of beggars are aged 40 to 59, young people of 18 years or less make up only 11.5%. A total of 35.2% of beggars are married.

Ahmed Lamrini, Secretary-General at the social development ministry said the report shows that people who resort to begging are motivated by the need to support a family. In addition, 66.7% of beggars are illiterate and only 0.4% of them have any higher education.

The survey's findings will be used to support the campaign to combat begging, begun in Casablanca in March. Over the past six months, some 440 beggars were admitted to the Tit Mellil social centre, of which 70% have been reintegrated into families. Two fifths of them will remain in the centre and 10% will benefit from socio-economic training programmes. The economic plan is geared towards people who want to run their own small businesses but are unable to produce the capital they need. With this in mind, the social development ministry has signed partnership agreements with a number of associations to finance 37 projects around Casablanca and Rabat.

According to Abderrahim Harouchi, "This strategy considers the living conditions and social situation of the beggars, but it also has a deterrent side to it, in that it tackles professional begging, particularly by applying the law criminalising the exploitation of children in begging."

The strategy will soon be rolled out in three more cities: Fez, Marrakesh and Tangier. According to the government, the chief objective is to tackle professional begging. Several people seeking hand-outs were caught with considerable sums of money. The director of economic and social affairs in the Wilaya of Greater Casablanca, Zine Elabidine El Azhar, said authorities have seized 942,496 dirhams from beggars. One single beggar was found with 300,000 dirhams.

El Azhar called for an integrated approach to the problem, based on agencies' intervention, family and socio-economic reintegration and the application of the law, particularly against repeat offenders and those exploiting children. He has indicated that raising awareness among the public is clearly needed, as well as information designed to educate the beggars themselves.