Irrigation Water Loss Management and Legitimization Processes A Case Study of the Bittit Irrigated Area, MOROCCO

Abstract

Community water sources have historically been associated with external covetousness, mobilizing processes of legitimization to allow water extractions. The purpose of this article is to trace the legitimization processes through which the interference of various actors has occurred over time in a water source located at the foothills of the Middle Atlas. Through the conduct of around thirty interviews and consultation of archives, we have shown that the so-called "water loss" management was mobilized by the Protectorate and the Independent State to legitimize extractions presented as an excess of water. This legitimization was manifested by the drying up of marshes and the concreting and lining of irrigation channels