Changes in the Environment and Migration in Southern Morocco – Example of the Mhamid Oasis

The subject of the article is an analysis of changes in the environment and economy of oases in southern Morocco, on the basis of a case study of Mhamid. The conclusions are that water investments carried out in the Draa Valley intensified the desertification process. This is exemplified by a stronger aeolian deflation, worsening living conditions of the population, limiting of arable areas and finally, migration. Paradoxically, because of desertification, the region has a chance to develop economically because the newly created sand dunes fields stimulate development of tourism.