Virtual Magazine of Morocco on the Web
Morocco Week in Review 
November 18 , 2006

Hand-woven carpets face competition from factory-made ones.
14/11/2006.  By Sarah Touahri

Skilled makers of hand-woven carpets in Morocco now must cope with cheaper factory-made products. The government is seeking to make the artisans' carpets more valuable on the domestic and international markets. For many years, carpet weavers from Salé have come to the same spot along Rue des Consuls in Rabat every Monday and Friday to sell their wares. While many pedestrians look at the carpets, fewer are buying.

Rahma Zaïmi, a 30-year-old carpet weaver said she could not sell anything last month, though her carpets are of high quality as evidenced by the blue label from the quality control office. "Orange means they're top quality, blue means superior, yellow stands for average and grey means standard grade," she explained to Magharebia. Fatima Bentider has not attracted a single customer in four months for her blue and orange label carpets. The disappointment shows on the faces of these lifelong weavers, who feel their livelihoods being threatened. Zohra Fassihi, a carpet weaver herself and the granddaughter of another, is optimistic. "I know things will change. I've heard talk of a new policy on handicrafts," she says.

Nearby specialty shops selling traditional carpets have also seen sluggish sales, with many people browsing but seldom buying. Bousbina Halima, who owns a traditional carpet shop in Oudaya, explains, "It's the two factories they've built in Morocco which have been our downfall. They're taking advantage of the market by using Moroccan designs."

Moroccans are staying away from traditional carpets because of their expensive prices, which range from 1,000 dirhams to 2,500 dirhams per square metre. The price depends on the quality of the weaving and the time it requires for the carpet to be completed. Similar-looking industrial carpets cost between 150 and 250 dirhams.

Mohamed Boulhcen, president of the Chamber of Handicrafts in Rabat, visits the artisans regularly. He is calling for a joint effort by everyone involved in the sector to solve the problem. He tells carpet weavers that the chamber is working towards a model for the sector based on that of developed countries. "To take the case of the r'batis carpet, for instance, craftspeople are having a very hard time because there are now machines that can do everything, whereas it takes months to make a carpet by hand. We're even seeing problems with raw materials since their prices aren't fixed. We want to tackle these problems and the state has to help this sector," Boulhcen says. He proposes measures including lower taxes, making carpets part of the décor of public offices and running an information campaign abroad to promote the product in foreign markets with higher purchasing powers.

The Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts and the Social Economy believes the craftspeople must organise themselves to conquer the domestic and foreign markets. Foreign demand is high, according to the ministry, which is encouraging the creation of firms to ensure supply is adequate and regular. The handicrafts department is counting on superstores, both in Morocco and abroad, to sell large quantities of craft items. http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2006/11/14/feature-02
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Morocco introduces measures to support trade, handicraft industry.
15/11/2006

The Moroccan government has adopted new measures for the promotion of handicrafts and trade, Aujourd'hui Le Maroc quotes Industry and Trade Minister Eddine Mazouar as saying on Tuesday (November 14th). "The measures include the creation of 16 accounting management centres as of 2007 and the coming into effect of a law promoting the establishment of co-operatives," the minister said. A new health system for traders and craftsmen will also be introduced. The government plans to involve public and private operators such as banking institutions, micro loan associations and sector organisations for implementation of the new measures http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/newsbriefs/general/2006/11/15/newsbrief-05
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Health officer on Morocco mission.

A council environmental control officer is on a month-long research trip to Morocco to investigate how living conditions can be improved. Carolyn Logan-Taylor, 35, who works for Ashford Borough Council, is returning to Tijhza, where she spent four days during a trekking holiday in September. She was shocked by the lack of medical facilities and poor health record.  "I would dearly like to see them get the sustainable health care facility they so desperately need," she said.

The Tijhza valley, in the Atlas mountains, is 100 miles from Marakesh and contains four villages.

Infant mortality

Volunteers have set up the Tijhza Project, which has already provided a water supply and improved facilities at the school. The nearest medical care is currently more than two hours away. "I was shocked to discover that infant mortality and death of women in childbirth is still quite common," said Ms Logan-Taylor, who lives in Lower Denmark Road, Ashford. "This is a tragic situation, but the people don't let it get them down. They are truly an inspiration."

The project's long-term plan is to attach the medical facility to the school, which is central to the villages. Ms Logan-Taylor is using her professional expertise to look particularly at hygiene and pollution issues. And for Christmas presents this year she is asking friends and family to make donations to the school and health project.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/6117046.stm
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Morocco: The Old Picture is Disappearing
October 30, 2006 Inter Press Service (Johannesburg) Abderrahim El Ouali*  Casablanca

The visitor to Morocco has often been tempted by pictures with the proverbial palm tree somewhere in the frame. But fewer and fewer of these trees are now around, and at this rate of decline the visitor of the future might not find any at all. The picture is changing; it is now of the Sahara desert advancing into once green stretches. More than 22,000 hectares of arable land disappear under the desert every year now in Morocco, according to official figures

Desertification is now threatening all of the country. The ministry for the environment has said that almost 93 percent of Morocco is affected by aridity. Date palms are the most ravaged by desertification. At the end of the 19th century Morocco had an estimated 15 million date palms, according to a study by geographer Ahmed Harrak. That number has now slipped to 4.5 million. In losing date palms the local population "loses the main source of income, and is consequently forced to abandon the land and leave," M. Achlif, member of the independent group, the Moroccan Association for Development and Solidarity told IPS.

Many Moroccans believe they can do little because the main causes of advancing desertification appear to be natural. "North Africa is mostly an arid or semi-arid region," geographer Bouazza Zahir told IPS. "For every 1,000 square kilometres, Morocco has 700 square kilometres of arid land." Land could now be lapsing into arid conditions more rapidly as sources of water are getting reduced, Zahir said.

Nature cannot, however, be blamed entirely. "Exaggerated pastoral activity and the misuse of land are significant factors," Zahir said. And the population demands on the disappearing green areas are increasing. "The average annual population increase in the arid regions is 3.5 percent," Zahir said. "Therefore land is overused because the population seeks maximum benefits for itself in the minimum time possible."

A national plan against desertification was launched in 2001. The plan aims to strengthen the political, legislative and institutional framework of government and other bodies to come together to contain desertification. It seeks to limit government role and involve more agencies. Under the plan the government agreed "to anticipate new autonomic and decentralised forms of organisation." Projects to fight desertification "should be fulfilled within a contractual framework that would define obligations of all intervention."

The conceptual agreements are making little difference on the ground at most places. Residents of Mhamid al-Ghouzlane in Zagora province in the south say advancing sand dunes are choking farmlands and water resources. People are left to their own devices to get around these difficulties as they can.

Independent environment groups have meanwhile been set up around Morocco to fight desertification. A network of various groups was founded in 1997 to tackle the problem. "But associations do not have enough financial and logistical means," said Achlif, who is a resident of Mhamid al-Ghouzlane.

The national action plan aims to strengthen the capacities of associations. "But such action will not be successful in the absence of a vigorous programme for communication awareness raising," said Zahir. Efforts in this direction nevertheless need to be made, he said. "This action towards local development actors is crucial. Too often there is a deficit in managerial skills, and this is a serious hindrance to development plans." The government plan now envisages training for both civil servants and local representatives. Training will also be offered to rural youth. About 81 percent of farmers in arid and semi-arid lands are illiterate, according to official figures. At the same time the programme aims to promote scientific research on desertification, and encourage development of "technological packages" that would help local people understand and deal with the problem better.
(*This story is part of a series of features on sustainable development by IPS - Inter Press Service and IFEJ - International Federation of Environmental Journalists.)
http://allafrica.com/stories/200611010901.html
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Morocco launches new anti-pedophilia group
AFP November 13, 2006 RABAT

A new coalition to fight pedophilia in Morocco debuted Sunday as activists warned of an alarming hike in child sexual abuse. "Pedophilia must be treated like terrorism on the judicial level," said Najia Adib, head of Don't Touch my Children, one of 25 nongovernmental groups belonging to the new umbrella organization "No child is safe." Those found guilty of rape or attempted rape of a minor face up to five years in prison under Moroccan law - and up to 10 to 20 years in prison, if violence is used, or a handicapped child is involved. But child activists complain that actual sentences are far lighter. "We need to take the example of France, which severely punishes pedophilia crimes, while those found guilty in Morocco only earn two to three years in prison," said Khalid Cherkaoui Semouni, head of the new organization, the Coalition Against Sexual Abuse Committed on Children.
http://metimes.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20061113-053723-8925r
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COOKBOOK: A Helpful Guide To Arabesque Cooking
November 9, 2006 By BETTY HALLOCK, Los Angeles Times
http://www.courant.com/features/food/hc-cookbook1109.artnov09,0,4607318.story?track=rss
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Delegation in Morocco seeks 'sister city' tie to Marrakech: Scottsdale group in African city to gain alliance.
Lois McFarland Special for The Republic Nov. 11, 2006 12:00 AM

Scottsdale Sister Cities Association delegation left town Friday, arriving in Marrakech, Morocco, on the continent of Africa, on Saturday for talks with city officials and community leaders to determine whether the two cities can maintain a viable relationship. Scottsdale's group traveled at the invitation of Marrakech's International Affairs Office, headed by Vice Mayor Khalid E. Fataoul.

Scottsdale's Sister City president, Roger Nelson, is leading the delegation, along with Pat Buchanan, head of the Marrakech Sister City exploratory committee, City Council member Ron McCullagh and his wife, Mary Beth. Other delegates include Mona Saunders, a travel
agent and concierge, and Lance DiRanna, intern and Arizona State University senior.

"The purpose of our visit will be to develop a working relationship with community leaders," Nelson said. "The objective will be to determine benefits that can sustain a relationship between the two cities. We hope to determine the suitability of a relationship that we can recommend adoption by the city of Scottsdale."

Nelson added that Sister Cities International announced an Islamic Initiative early in 2005 as part of a U.S. Department of State program.

"We believe this is a great opportunity for our communities to foster a relationship that will promote peace and understanding in our communities," Nelson said.

Morocco, with a population of 24 million, lies on the northwest tip of Africa. Marrakech, with about 1 million residents, reflects its Berber, Arab, French, and Saharan ancestry. Tourism is an important part of its economy, as are textiles with designers from Europe and the U.S. exporting metal furniture, carpets and pillows for upscale homes.

Topics of discussion with officials will include economic development, convention and tourism, the arts to include culinary schools, cultural diversity and film festivals, student/teacher and medical/professional exchanges, city planning and water, power and environmental conservation. Nelson said there also is a desire for the relationship between the two cities to involve business leaders, cultural, arts and educational
organizations. "This will be necessary for us to gain the endorsement of the City Council," he said.
http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/1111phx-lois1111sisterZ3.html
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A Taste of Morocco: Special spices and family participation enhance the global culinary experience.
BY ANNETTE OVERTON MCGRATH SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

As world travelers, the family trio cooking a hearty Sunday dinner has sampled many different cuisines, from ducks' feet soup in Mongolia to fresh pasta in Florence, Italy. The pasta became a make-at-home favorite. The ducks' feet did not.

Tonight's menu hails from exotic Morocco, a North African country with a melting-pot cuisine of African, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Anne Kenny-Urban, 41, and her husband, Bill Urban, have traveled in North Africa's Tunisia, but to gather the recipes and techniques for preparing lamb and apricot tagine, couscous and two colorful salads, they only had to drive across the James River.

At a recent evening cooking class at Sur La Table at Stony Point Fashion Park, the couple tried out Moroccan cooking with her mother, Anne Kenny, to celebrate her 73rd birthday. The class introduced students to common Moroccan ingredients, such as preserved lemon. Pickled in brine, the whole lemons exude the bracing odor of Pine-Sol when released from the jar. Yet, when diced and added to a dish of blanched green beans, preserved lemon contributes a subtle citrus flavor that balances the smoky depth of roasted red bell pepper chunks.

Many of the 17 culinary students had never heard of harissa, a deep-red condiment of garlic, spices and chile peppers used to add fire-to-taste. Harissa was no stranger to Bill Urban, 39, who dressed each bite with its zest. Chalk that up to personal preference and, perhaps, his jaunt through Tunisia, where hotter food is the norm.

Chef Alexia Miles emphasized that Moroccan cooking relies heavily on spices but is subtle rather than fiery. "It's the star of North African cuisine," she told the class. There's a strong emphasis on fruits and vegetables, with meat used in small quantities. Healthful, yes, but less reliance on meat is also a boon for the hospitable host's budget.

Moroccan entertaining emphasizes abundance; one must never run out of food. At the Kenny-Urban home in the Libbie and Grove area, they lack the Sur La Table support team of volunteer chef's assistants who chop, measure and clean. Even so, the three sets of hands using Miles' photocopied recipes are experienced and capable. They have learned from each other, prepared uncountable meals and attended a wide range of cooking classes.

Sitting at a banquette table in the kitchen, Anne Kenny chops a pound of green beans. Anne Kenny-Urban peels and segments five oranges, removing all trace of pith and skin. The most experimental cook in the bunch, Bill Urban browns and braises lamb cubes for tagine at the gas cook-top.

Moroccans cook their tagine, a slow-simmering stew, in a traditional cooking vessel also called a tagine. It's a shallow, wide cooking bowl with a tall, conical lid that captures steam and sends it back down in slow rivers to bathe the stew for hours. American cooks could accomplish the same task with a deep, lidded iron casserole, such as the enameled, red Le Creuset pot Urban is using.

The red pot was inherited from Anne Kenny-Urban's grandmother, an excellent cook. Departing from their usual habit of eating in the kitchen, the family gathers in the dining room at a long, dark table to taste their Moroccan feast.

Sitting on booster seats beneath a glittering crystal chandelier, daughters Amelia, 3, and Lily, 4½, eye the orange salad garnished with kalamata olives with predictable suspicion. The savory aroma of ginger, cumin, cinnamon and garlic rises from the tender, savory lamb. The easy-to-love pearls of couscous look approachable enough. In moments, a small, high voice cries out proudly, "I tried something new!" Something even better than a hardworking red pot has been passed on.
http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD/MGArticle/RTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149191691683 ############################################

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