Mountainous regions of northern Morocco are mostly characterized by an arid or semi-arid climate. The development of these regions is limited by other factors such uneven relief, barren lands, high soil erosion and vegetation decline. The socio-economic data obtained in this survey show that carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L., Cesalpiniaceae), from the province of Chefchaouen (NW of Morocco), is naturalized like wild olive in orchards with other fruit trees or cereal farming. The population is actually concerned by carob plantation because of its economic and fodder interest. According to goat breeding and farm labour, carob tree possesses an increasing economic role since the sixties. The global receipt due to carobs would reach 7.94% of plants-production value in the province of Chefchaouen. The economical incomes of carob tree attain 3,584±5,093 dirhams.exploitant-1.year-1. In addition to other essential fruit trees, carob tree would constitute a main species for local orcharding development. Owing to the adaptation faculties of this species to soil and climate stress, it could contribute to develop the underprivileged areas.
عبد السلام النبيلي | Abdeslam Ennabili | 5668