Moroccan projects target social deprivation

22/11/2007

Despite government and civilian efforts to combat social problems, Morocco has a ways to go before it can put an end to poverty, illiteracy and unemployment.

By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 22/11/07

[File] Former Social Development Minister Abderahim Harouchi said insufficient economic growth and high birth rates have reduced the effectiveness of public social policy.

Although Morocco has undertaken major social reforms, both public and private efforts have failed to eliminate social deprivation. According to Minister for Social Development, Families and Solidarity Abderrahim Harouchi, insufficient economic growth, high birth rates and the sluggish development of rural areas have diminished the effectiveness of public policy.

These figures bear witness to a number of social problems. According to official statistics, the poverty rate is 14.2%, unemployment is at 9.6%, and illiteracy is remains at 40%.

Mohamed Najib Guedira, director of the social development agency, points out that development is everyone’s concern. "The fight against poverty starts with improving incomes. We must not only make up the deficit in material provision but also in terms of income," he said.

The social development agency's role is to assist social projects in even the most far-flung communes. Two thirds of its projects are run by associations.

"Most associations are not working collectively," Guedira said. "But over the past two years, we have seen a new situation: associations are starting to network to enhance their effectiveness." A national social development network established last year brings together researchers, civil society actors, administrative decision-makers and private enterprises.

Guedira stressed that despite setbacks, there is cause to celebrate advances made in the fields of health, education, housing, access to basic services, pensions and social security as well as the emergence and dynamism of civil society and women’s movements.

Sociology professor Jamal Maktoum said Morocco has displayed great dynamism in its development, particularly since the launch of the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) in May 2005.

"The INDH is a major conceptual turning point in public policy in the field of human and social development." Maktoum said. "But everyone’s efforts need to be combined if we are to fight social problems such as unemployment and poverty."

In the year following its inception, the INDH began 1,104 projects. More than 6,000 were undertaken in 2006 and it is expected that the number of projects will reach 7,000 in 2007.

So far, the INDH has spent approximately two billion dirhams on projects.