Indus-Pastoralism

1

abstract The Tan-Tan Moussem is an annual gather-

in the Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains

ing of nomadic tribes of the Sahara Desert

with a long history of engagement with

in Morocco. Since its inception in 1963, this

the more sedentary agricultural and ur-

social construct has been transformed and

ban population. However, in the six de-

repeatedly appropriated by different social

cades following Morocco’s independence

and political forces. Originally an informal

in 1956, the Berbers have experienced

and autonomous gathering, the festival

increasing insecurity in terms of impaired

has come under increasing control by the

mobility and access to land and water, re-

Moroccan government, in order to better

sulting from various processes and policies

supervise the nomadic population, pro-

of exclusion.

mote tourism and international relations, and more recently attract foreign investment for industrial development.

Since the early 1990s, Morocco has established a number of development zones with a view to encourage foreign direct

40% of Morocco’s 32 million population

investment. As these large-scale develop-

are Berbers practicing nomadic pastoralism

ments take over increasing acreages of ‘va-

cant land’, conflicts between ‘sedentarists’

of Chinese developers decided to pull out

and ‘pastoralists’ have intensified.

of the project due to its uncertain future.

This thesis project focuses on a newly

This thesis examines how the developmen-

demarcated special development zone in

tal uncertainty of Tangier Tech City and the

Tangier: Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City, a

political and economic desires embedded

2000 hectare, US$10 billion project co-fi-

in the Tan-Tan Moussem, might somehow

nanced by China’s Haite Group, Bank of

be brought together in a novel marriage

Africa and the Moroccan government.

of industry and pastoralism. Could their

Often criticized as a form of land grabbing, the implementation of many of these development enclaves has been significantly delayed for various reasons. Indeed, after three major changes to the Tangier Tech City development plans, the Haite Group

shared uncertainty engender a new developmental offspring, which can accommodate industry and sedentary urbanization while fostering pastoralism and reinvigorating a nomadic culture?

Keywords: Berber, Nomad, Moussem, Chinese investment, Morocco, Tangier

4

contents abstract

indus-pastoralism

list of figures context Berber nomads of Morocco

I-1

Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City

I-8

case studies Economic Zones

II-1

China's OEZ in Egypt

II-2

China's OEZ in Zambia

II-4

Tanger Free Zone

II-6

Renault Industrial Park

II-10

Tanger Automotive City

II-10

Atlantic Free Zone

II-12

Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City

III-1

Year 0

III-5

Year 2

III-9

Year 4

III-13

Year 7

III-15

Year 10

III-17

Year ?

III-19

visualization Berber Calendar

IV-1

bibliography acknowledgement statement of academic integrity

6

list of figures Movement of Nomads and Urban Development in Morocco Change in Berber Nomad's Distribution Ports and Economic Zones - Strait of Gibraltar China's Overseas Economic Zones China's Overseas Port Shares Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone Zambia-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone Tanger Free Zone 2009 Edge Condition Residential Buildings Non-Chinese Development - Tangier Automotive City Non-Chinese Development - Atlantic Free Zone Timeline - Indus-Pastoralism Timeline - Nomadic Calendar

8

context

Berber nomads of Morocco Morocco is located at the Northwestern tip of African continent, facing the European continent across the Mediterranean Sea. The Southeastern part of Morocco touches the fringe of the Sahara Desert, which continuously sprawl Southeastward and separates Maghreb from the Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Atlas Mountains ranges from the Northeast of Morocco to the Southwest, protecting the fertile plains in the Northwestern side of Atlas Mountains from the sprawling of Sahara Desert. The fertile land continuous to extend Northwestward until it reaches the long coastline of Morocco, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

I-1

Nomadic Pastoralism 40% of Morocco’s 32 million population are

The Berber nomads also have a long his-

Berbers practicing nomadic pastoralism in

tory of engagement with the more seden-

the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains.

tary agricultural and urban population in

Traditionally, they move across the pastoral

cities nearby their pastoral routes. Trading

territories with their herds in accordance

surplus animal products and tribal Berber

to the seasonal fluctuations of rainfall, shel-

crafts3 for farm produce, to supplement

ter and forage throughout the year. Their

their diet; or to serve as pastures for their

mobility and dependency on the vagaries

herds during winter and the closure time

of the climate suggest that they tend to be

of "Agdal"4 where pastures are not readily

adaptable, self-reliant and well used to risk

available.

1

2

and uncertainty.

1

Most of the remaining population are Arabized Berbers who live around the arable

lands between the coast line and the Atlas Mountains. Gradually shifting away from the agricultural economy, the major economy of Morocco now concentrates along the modernized coastal cities such as Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier, relying on the commercial, industrial and tourism sector.

2

The distance between pasture lands varies greatly, ranging from a few kilometers to

over a hundred kilometers. The length of time they stay at one place also varies a lot, from few days to months. The decision of moving is solely depending on the amount of pasture available at a place.

3

Mostly rugs handmade from sheep, goat and camel hair with unique tribal patterns

woven and handcrafted metal utensils.

4

"Agdal" is a communal pasture land shared within a group of pastoralists. The access

is usually granted to one or more tribes that are branched out from the same larger tribe, and a tribe may have access to more than one "Agdal". The "Agdal" is managed by the leader across the tribes, deciding the access rights of each "Agdal". More importantly, the leader I-2

Sedentarization In the six decades following Morocco’s in-

the years, due to the gradual Northwest-

dependence from France in 1956, the Ber-

ward shift of rainfall pattern, nomads in

ber nomads have experienced increasing

the Sahara Desert have experienced a few

insecurity in terms of impaired mobility and

prolonged droughts which also happened

access to land and water, resulting from

more frequently. The shift of rainfall pattern

various processes and policies of exclusion.

also sped up the sprawling of the desert,

Viewing the autonomy of nomadic tribes as

shrinking their pastoral territories.

a threat, the Moroccan government initiat-

As a result, many of the Berber nomads

ed a series of sedentarization policies in

have transformed from the traditional fully

the 1960s to assimilate Berber culture into

nomadic lifestyle to the current practice of

the larger Arab/Moroccan way of life.

semi-Nomadic Agropastoralism. In con-

1

This was followed by a rapid process of land privatization and urbanization since 1970s which increasingly limits the Berber nomads’ access to pastures and weakens their traditional complementary relationship with sedentary communities.

trast to the year-round nomadic pasturing, only two migrations is carried out in a year: During summer, they migrate with their livestock to the highland area of Atlas Mountains where the pastures are the most abundant and well grown, then in winter, before the weather becomes unsuitable

Alongside the sedentarization policies, the

to stay, they descend to the plains around

changing and extreme climate also seri-

the Atlas Mountains or to the oases in the

ously affected Berber nomads' life. Over

desert, where they have their permanent house and agricultural fields.

will decide the closure time for each "Agdal" to let the pastures to recover during their most vulnerable period, usually from April to June.

1

Including some education and subsidies in settlement and infrastructure construc-

tion, farming and intensive herding.

I-4

Modernization Apart from the pastoral and agricultural

further inland, where large areas of land

practices, other options of life are also

can be acquired cheaply. As these large-

actively considered by the Berber nomads.

scale developments take over increasing

Those include different degree of seden-

acreages of ‘vacant land’1 that traditionally

tarization, from seasonal migration to cities

served as critical pastures along the no-

as workers so supplement their pastoral

mads’ seasonal migratory routes, conflicts

activities at a yearly basis, to completely

between ‘sedentarists’ and ‘pastoralists’

sedentarized in cities.

have intensified. This is exacerbated by the

Since the early 1990s Morocco has established a number of development zones with a view to encourage foreign direct investment. Initially, these enclaves were set up near the major coastal cities such as Tangier, Casablanca and Rabat, but more recently they are being established

1

gradual north-westward shift of migratory routes due to the climate change in the Saharan Atlas region. The Berber nomads receive no compensation in this process of exclusion, and have been forced to intensify grazing as their open rangeland shrinks and fragments.

Vacant land virtually does not exist in the arable region of Morocco. However, many

of the land users, mainly farmers, may not have the land tenure of their farm. Lands are vastly owned by landlords and the Moroccan government in rural areas. Meanwhile, the biggest landlord of Morocco is King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

I-6

Tan-Tan Moussem1 The Tan-Tan Moussem is an annual gath-

roccan Ministry of Tourism on the grounds

ering of nomadic peoples of the Sahara

that it constituted an invaluable cultural

Desert that brings together more than thir-

heritage.

ty tribes from southern Morocco and other parts of northwest Africa.

Originally an informal and autonomous gathering founded in the context of the

Listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural

nomadic tribes’ agricultural and herding

Heritage in 2008, this particular gathering

based seasonal migrations, the festival

was first held in 1963 in memory of Mo-

has subsequently come under increasing

hamed Laghdaf, a hero of the anti-colo-

control by the Moroccan government, in

nialism movement who died in 1960. Since

order to better supervise the nomadic pop-

its inception, this social construct has been

ulation, promote tourism and international

transformed and repeatedly appropriated

relations, and more recently attract foreign

by different social and political forces.

investment for industrial development.

Entirely suspended by the authorities from 1979 until 2004 due to political turmoil in the Sahara, the festival was revived in 2004

by UNESCO in association with the Mo-

1

For example, the 2016 Tan-Tan Moussem festival programme featured an investment conference with more than 10 Chinese entrepreneurs as guests of honor.

Arabic, meaning festival I-7

Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City This thesis project focuses on a newly demarcated special development zone on the inner periphery of Tangier at the northwestern tip of Morocco. A memorandum of understanding between the Moroccan and Chinese government signed in 2016 heralded the inauguration of the 2000-hectare

Tangier International Zone From 1923 to 1956, Tangier is an international zone joint administrated by France, Spain and the UK, and later on with other European countries and the US.

Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City, a US$10

The international zone is the offspring of

billion project co-financed by China’s Haite

joint interest of multiple countries on this

Group, Bank of Africa and the Moroccan

strategic location in economic and military

government.

perspective as the gateway of Mediterra-

European-based capital1 was behind earlier development enclaves in Morocco, but in the past decade has seen a dramatically

nean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean and the shortest sea route between the African continent and the European continent.

increased inflow of Chinese investment and

Once populated by foreign citizens and

influence through multiple economic zones

trade activities, Tangier has experienced

development, mega-project constructions,

a long period of economic downfall after

and the establishment of academic, cultur-

Morocco's independence in 1956 since

al, and economic institutes in Morocco.

foreigners have retreated from Tangier.

1

France and Spain are the two major European investment countries. Varies part of

Morocco had been the protectorate of France or Spain during the World War period. In fact, Spain still holds sovereignty over two enclaves in the African continent which historically belong to Morocco (Ceuta and Melilla). French language was introduced to Morocco during French-Morocco from 1912 to 1956. Up till now, despite Arabic and Amazigh (Berber) being the two official languages, 33% of Moroccans can also speak French and is regarded as a prestige language for commercial and technological activities. The proximity in geographic location and the entangled historic relationship explained the economic connections between them.

I-8

Overseas Economic Zone Since the "Go Out" Policy of China in

Morocco, however, was not initially in-

1999, China started to invest overseas and

cluded in China’s Belt and Road Plan, but

setting up overseas economic and trade

given her valuable free trade agreements

cooperation zones in other countries. This

with Europe and the United States, and its

is reinforced by the "Go Further Outwards"

strategic location on the Strait of Gibraltar

policy in 2006 and the Belt and Road

linking the North Atlantic and Mediterra-

initiative in 2013. Up till now, there are

nean. China has extended its 21st Century

more than one hundred overseas economic

Maritime Silk Road cooperation to include

zones set up by China , mostly distributed

Morocco.

1

along the Belt and Road countries.

1

Indeed the Chinese government is only responsible for the signing of development

agreement with other countries. The development plan is than tendered out in private market for developers to execute. After the zone starts to operate, the Chinese government will rate the zone into different levels according to the development and management quality. Out of the over one hundred overseas economic zones, only 20 of them can achieve the highest standard which is called " National Level Overseas Economic Zone". The qualification of a zone will also be reviewed once for a while.

I-11

Mediterranean Ports China's ambition on expanding the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road is also shown in its extensive investment on the Mediterranean cargo ports. Currently, over a dozen of ports around the Mediterranean Sea have different degree of control by Chinese companies. The two largest cargo ports of Morocco are also under Chinese investment, including the largest port of the Mediterranean coast, the newly built Tanger Med Ports1 in Tangier.

Tangier Tech City will be a new jewel on China’s list of overseas economic and trade cooperation zones, seen as a critical asset of the Belt and Road Initiative.

1

Phase one of the port, Tanger Med I, has 3 million TEUs handling capacity, has started

operation in 2007. The second phase, Tanger Med II, has 6 million TEUs handling capacity, is scheduled to start operation in 2019.

I-12

Uncertainty Often criticized as a form of land grabbing,

be brought together in a novel marriage

the implementation of many of these de-

of industry and pastoralism. The as yet

velopment enclaves has been significant-

unrealized dream of a modern industrial

ly delayed for various reasons including

zone and the hopes embodied in a cultural

funding problems, regulatory barriers and

event that harks back to a disappearing

resettlement issues. Indeed, after three

past, both share an uncertain future.

major changes to the Tangier Tech City development plans since the memorandum of understanding was signed in 2016, the Haite Group1 of Chinese investors decided to pull out of the project due to its uncertain future.

This thesis examines how the developmental uncertainty of Tangier Tech City and the political and economic desires embedded in the Tan-Tan Moussem, might somehow

1

Could their shared uncertainty engender a new developmental offspring, which can accommodate industry and sedentary urbanization while fostering pastoralism and reinvigorating a nomadic culture?

Can national and international financial and cultural investors and governments be responsible enough to set that offspring on a course for diversity in harmony rather than dichotomy in opposition?

Haite Group is a aviation company based in Chengdu, PRC. It is replaced by China

Communications Construction Company, a Chinese construction giant, in April, 2019. The developmental goal of creating a 2000 hectare zone with 10 billion USD investment and 100 thousand new local jobs stays the same after the switch of developer I-14

I-16

case studies The five case studies include: 1. China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic

Economic Zones

and Trade Cooperation Zone, a "National Level Overseas Economic Zone"

In order to foresee the future of Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City, five case studies are conducted to understand and analysis the nature of economic zones.

Carefully selected across the list of potential case study zones located in Morocco or developed by China, each of the case study has its unique quality in helping to understand and construct the concept of economic zone.

of China in Egypt.

2. Zambia-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, a "National Level Overseas Economic Zone" of China in Zambia.

3. Tanger Free Zone, the first free trade zone in Tangier developed by stateowned enterprise Tanger Med Group.

4. Renault Industrial Park in Tangier, developed by the French automobile company Renault; and Tanger Automotive City built adjacent to the Renault Industrial Park by Tanger Med Group.

5. Atlantic Free Zone, developed by state-owned company Medz in Kenitra, a city close to Rabat.

II-1

China's OEZ in Egypt Established in 2008, TEDA group from China is responsible for the development

This mode of development has significantly delayed the development process and increased the risk of failure.

of China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and

Despite being a "National Level Overseas

Trade Cooperation Zone, with 134 hect-

Economic Zone" that the development

are starting up area and the 600 hectare

and management should be guaranteed,

expansion area. The investment is said to

the zone shows more than 50 % of vacancy

be 500 million USD and will provide 3,300

after more than 11 years of development.

and 40,000 new jobs respectively to the

The amount of unused land resources is

local people.

represented by the volume of the boxes

The Chinese mode of zone development is that the developer is only constructing the infrastructures such as road development, water and electricity supply, and drainage and sewage treatment.

which is calculated from the vacant area and the vacant time. 944 hectare year of land resources is wasted in 11 years since construction for the 134 hectare phase 1; and 600 hectare year of land resources is wasted in 3 years since construction for the

Varies methods are then used to attract

600 hectare phase 2. The average per-

real estate developers to set up their busi-

centage of vacant area per year is 64% for

ness in the zone. In this case, the develop-

phase 1 and 100% for phase 2. The ratio of

er bizarrely spent 5.6 million USD to put

planning area to total vacant area is 1:7.0

up a theme park, TEDA Fun Valley, at the

for phase 1 and 1:3 for phase 2.

center of the development zone to attract investors, workers, and tourists. The theme park also serve as a social infrastructure to showcase their care in people's mental health and their will in bringing happiness to the local people.

II-2

Ironically, the developer TEDA, announced in 2012 that the development of the zone has been completed successfully and started to develop phase 2 of the zone since 2015.

China's OEZ in Zambia Established in 2007, Zambia-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone is developed by China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group, with a total of 4100 hectare of planning area. 1149 hectare of area was granted for the first phase development.

The total investment is said to be 190 million USD and will provide 8,000 new per-

since construction for the 1149 hectare phase 1. The average percentage of vacant area per year is 72% and the ratio of planning area to total vacant area is 1:8.6 Differ from the Egypt case, the developer of this zone is actually a real estate developer, therefore they have set up their gigantic mining complex at the beginning stage as indicated at the bottom left part in

manent jobs to local people in the future.

the drawing. However, succeeding invest-

This case study is another "National Level

the majority of land remains vacant.

Overseas Economic Zone" of China in the African Continent. Analysis shows that over than 80 % of vacancy after more than 12 years of development. 9903 hectare year of land resources is wasted in 12 years

II-4

ments were not secured, as a result leaving

As an investment infrastructure, a multi-storey visitor center was built to hold investment events, introduce and promote the economic zone.

Tanger1 Free Zone Established in 1999, it is developed by state-owned enterprise Tanger Med Group, which is also responsible for other zone development in Tangier such as Tanger automotive City, Tanger Med Port and

Alongside the Tanger Free Zone, Gzenaya industrial zone is also established. Despite the advantages of free trade conditions offered by Tanger Free Zone, the development pace of Gzenaya industrial zone still keeps up with the free zone. It is speculat-

Tetouan Shore.

ed that the free zone is actually designed

As one of the early ambitions of Moroccan

needs are not catered.

King Mohammed VI2 soon after his inaugurated in 1999, the 415 hectare Tanger Free Zone is the first free trade zone in Tangier with the mission to regenerate economic activities in Tangier after its long period of

to attract foreign investment, whilst local

It is hinted by the difference in scale of factory buildings between the two zones where large industrial plants seen in the free trade zone are often funded by foreign

post-colonial economic downfall.

capital. The factory buildings in Gzenaya

Located next to the Tangier airport, Tan-

industrial purposes, which is a typical family

ger Free Zone focuses on the automotive, aeronautic and textile sector.

1

also show a mixed usage of residential and business model.

Tanger is the French of Tangier. As mentioned before, although French is not an

official language of Morocco, it is a prestige language in commercial activities. Most of the commercial and services websites and presentations will have French version and many Moroccan government officers will also speak French during press interviews.

2

Not only is he the biggest landlord in Morocco, King Mohammed VI is also the big-

gest businessman in Morocco, having shares in multiple commercial enterprises and banks.

II-6

Zone of Exclusion Apart from the economic and social exclusion demonstrated in the Gzenaya example, more clearly, exclusion happens physically, where access is denied.

In this 2009 residential development example. Residential and road development took place along the outer edge of Tanger Free Zone, closely following the zoning boundary.

Clearly the juxtaposing of the residential development to the free trade zone is motivated by the potential benefits bought by the zone. However, ironically in 2009, after the residential development has been finished, the part of Tanger Free Zone next to it is still vacant, leaving this island of buildings alone.

II-9

Renault Industrial Park

Tanger Automotive City

Established in 2008, it is developed by the

Established in 2012, it is developed by the

French automobile company Renault, with

state-owned enterprise Tanger Med Group,

a total of 105 hectare of planning area.

with a total of 335 hectare of planning

In four years' time, Renault has completed

area.

the majority of development and start-

Located next to the Renault Industrial Park,

ed production in 2012. It is currently the

Tanger Automotive City is dedicated for

largest car plant in Africa with an annual

the manufacturing of car parts to create a

production of 230,000 vehicles and 8,700

supply chain for the industrial park.

employees in 2018.

1575 hectare year of land resources is

In comparison to zone development, this

wasted in 7 years since construction for the

industrial park development with a sole

335 hectare planning area. The average

manufacturer by European capital shows a

percentage of vacant area per year is 67%.

much faster development pace. Only 438

The high percentage is justified by the

hectare year of land resources are unused

shorter history of Tanger Automotive City

in 11 years since construction for the 105

than other economic zones, as most of the

hectare planning area.

land will stays vacant during the first two

The average percentage of vacant area per

years planning and construction process.

year is 38% and the ratio of planning area

The ratio of planning area to total vacant

to total vacant area is 1:4.2

area is 1:4.7

II-10

Atlantic Free Zone Established in 2012, it is developed by state-owned enterprise Medz, with a total of 355 hectare of planning area.

Located in Kenitra city, 35 km North of Moroccan capital city Rabat and 180 km South of Tangier, Atlantic Free Zone is also dedicated for the automotive industry.

1728 hectare year of land resources is wasted in 7 years since construction for the 355 hectare planning area. The average percentage of vacant area per year is 70% and the ratio of planning area to total vacant area is 1:4.9 Both Atlantic Free Zone and Tanger Automotive City show a faster development pace than those developed by Chinese developers. Moreover, there are also land tenure issue when it comes to foreign investment.

It would be the least favorable scenario for the Moroccan government if lands are issued to foreigner's hand whilst economic giveback cannot be guaranteed due to the prolonged development time frame of Chinese developers.

II-12

II-14

indus-pastoralism Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City After studying the five case study zones

heritages will also serve as an economic

and related literatures. The future of Mo-

driver for zonal development, bringing

hammed VI Tangier Tech City is visualized

benefits to the developer as well as the

by superimposing various case study ele-

Moroccan Government.

ments and findings in different time frame.

By foregrounding and proactively adapt-

It is concluded that the zone would be a

ing cultural heritage and lifestyles to new

zone of exclusion with good infrastructures

political and economic forces, this thesis

such as road connections, water and elec-

hopes to demonstrate a future of coexis-

tricity supply, whilst at the same time the

tence and inclusion between development

majority of land would remain vacant for a

and local livelihood, while as the same

long period of time.

time resisting misappropriation of cultural

This thesis sees the opportunity of utilizing the unused land resource during the

heritage through active transformation of it in accordance to local needs.

development time frame, seeks a potential

In the following drawing, each column

future of coexistence between nomadic

represents a particular time frame, includ-

lifestyle and zone development, with an

ing year 0, year 2, year 4, year 7 year 10

aim to resist social, cultural and economic

and the future time frame of the develop-

exclusion for the nomads as well as other

ment. The upper row visualizes the future

local people through empowering nomadic

of Tangier Tech City under current practice,

heritage and lifestyle. Not only nomads

and the second row visualize the future of

and local people will be benefited in this

coexistence between nomadic lifestyle and

potential future, the empowered nomadic

zone development.

III-1

III-2

III-3

III-4

Year 0 Siting The siting of economic zone is often

tent of the zoning boundary does not fol-

located in the suburb of a city but at the

low any land features. Indeed, the bound-

same time still have good highway and

ary of Tangier International Zone from 1923

railway connections. Located 14 km South

to 1956 bizarrely cut through two villages,

of Tangier city, the proposed Mohammed

making different part of the villages under

VI Tangier Tech City will be connected to

different jurisdiction.

national highway A4, highway P4608, the national railway and the first high speed railway of Africa, Al-Boraq1.

Since the memorandum of understating signed in 2016, the planning location of the zone has been changed for multiple

The selected site for Tangier Tech City is

times. Despite the inclusive boundary, vast

a vast area of active farmland with sparse

area of "vacant land" has been acquired by

settlements. Oftentimes, the shape and ex-

the Moroccan government already.

1

Named by King Mohammed VI, with reference to the mythical creature BurÄ q that

transport prophets in Islamic tradition. Al-Boraq is the first high speed train in the African continent co-funded by the Moroccan Government and European countries. Started operation at the end of 2018, phase 1 of Al-Boraq connects Casablanca and Tangier, passing through Kenitra and capital city Rabat. Phase 2 of the rail line is proposed to connect Casablanca and Agadir via Marrakesh, China Railways will take on the construction of phase 2.

III-5

Vacant Land as Pasture Land On average, each Berber nomad1 owns

ism throughout history. In fact, 1 hectare

20 to 60 herds and has access to 1 ha of

of grassland can produce up to 90 sheep4

“Agdal�3.

a year which can worth more than 250

2

This thesis proposes utilizing the vacant land of the development zone for seasonal agriculture and pasturing as a potential future of Berber nomads' adaptive nomad-

thousand dirham5. If we consider half of the zone remains empty in 10 years, there would be a huge amount of economic gain over the years.

The average household size of a nomad family ranges from 6.5 to 10.5 person.

Most nomads raise goats and sheep as their primary herd. Nomads move around the

1

2

Sahara Desert also raise camels or even only raise camels. In contrast, nomads around the Atlas Mountains raise horses, mules and cattle instead to supplement their goats and sheep herd. The camels, horses and mules also serve the purpose of carrying people and materials such as their tents and tools. Nomads rely on their herds for dairy products and meat for daily consumption as well as for trading with sedentary population. The skin of herds will be made into leather products and the fur will be made into rugs which will also be sold to the local merchants. The animal products form a fundamental part of Morocco’s crafting and tourist industry, greatly contributing to the Moroccan economy.

20% of which has been transformed into agriculture fields over the years.

Calculated based on the fact that sheep gain its maturity in 2 years and each re-

3

4

production cycle of sheep generally produce two lambs; and the assumption that a mature sheep goes into reproduction cycle every year.

5

Moroccan dirham, the official currency of Morocco.1 dirham roughly equals to 0.8

HKD or 0.1 USD. The price of a sheep ranges from 1500 to 6000 dirham, depending on its breed, size and weight.

III-6

Nomadism as Tool for Land Security Vacant lands in foreigner’s hand is the least favorable scenario for the Moroccan government. The fact that Haite group stepped out from the development is also related to the disagreement in the land ownership of Tangier Tech City.

This thesis sees the potential for the Moroccan government to resist land grabbing by allowing vacant lands to be utilized for temporal agricultural and pastoral use.

Utilizing the temporariness of nomadic pastoralism as a tool to uphold the land ownership from the developer before any development plan is secured.

III-7

III-8

Year 2 Infrastructure In the case study of China-Egypt TEDA

Common approaches include advertise-

Suez Trade and Economic Cooperation

ments and investment conferences. How-

Zone, infrastructures are being laid down

ever, more unconventional approaches

in 2 years. Those include road connections,

can also be seen. For example, in the Suez

rail connections, water supply, electricity

economic zone, a theme park was built in

connection, Internet connection, mobile

the early stage of zonal development to

network connection, gas supply, drainage

attract investors, workers and tourists.

connection, sewage treatment etc. The infrastructures form a grid of roads with utilities buried underground.

The mode of investment is also special in these Chinese zones. Oftentimes, they provide one-stop services that the inter-

The grid size of infrastructures is about

ested developers or individuals only needs

300m by 500m, which in most of the cases

to provide capital, the zone developer or

would be too large an area for a single

manager will then take on all the neces-

developer. Therefore, the grid will start to

sary procedures to set up a business in

break down into smaller lots as develop-

the zone, from national and international

ment goes on.

contracts, agreements to the construc-

After the construction of infrastructures, different approaches are then used to attract investors to invest and set up factories

tion of factory buildings, logistic services, workers recruitment and the exportation of products.

inside the zone, filling up the vacant land

This amateur targeted mode of develop-

lots.

ment shades the real situation of an industry and increases the chance of future failure.

III-9

Nomad as New Workforce One of the challenges faced by the zone

As the need of workers for the zone devel-

developer is to hire enough workers.

opment in line with the need of additional

Although Morocco still has an unemploy-

incomes for the nomads, this thesis sees

ment rate of 10 % in 2018, many of those

the opportunity of nomad as new source of

are actually working in the informal sectors

workers as a potential adaption of nomadic

such as craftsman, vendors, tour guides

lifestyle in development.

and farmers.

In fact, Morocco is having a shortage in the

Indus-Pastoralism

construction sector. Many of the construction workers are migrant workers from

In the past, migrant nomads must give

Sub-Saharan countries .

up their pastoral lifestyle to work in the

1

In recent years, there are increasing number of Berber nomads that have given up their pastoral lifestyle, whether temporarily or not, to work in cities and fields for additional income to supplement their pastoral income.

1

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cities. However, bringing pasturing into the economic zone can remove the spatial impossibility of life as pastoralist and life as worker. Life as a pastoralist and life as a worker can coexist, thus creating a new way of living: Indus-Pastoralism

Countries South of the Sahara Desert, such as Niger, Chad, Sudan and Mali.

Festival as New Economic Driver Chinese developers struggle in gathering

er of China’s Egypt OEZ desperately spent

investment into the zones. This is reflected

5.6 million USD to build a theme park

by the prolonged vacancy in various zones.

inside the economic zone just to attract

They also face challenges in attracting

investors, workers and tourists.

workers and tourists. Indeed, the develop-

Moussem de Tanger Tech This thesis sees the potential of adapting

Taking advantage of it, other kinds of

the cultural heritage of Berber nomads

activity to boost the development and

- Tan-Tan Moussem, in response to the

local economy are also suggested to build

need of a development driver, creating a

upon the festival such as trade market, job

new moussem - Moussem de Tanger Tech.

fair and nomadic tourism, these activities

As the moussem shares all but better and

and programs will also bring in other local

richer quality of a theme park, this thesis

people which are also excluded from the

considers it to be a better alternative of

zones’ future and bring in tourists which

economic driver for the zone.

may in turn boost the local economy and

As mentioned earlier, the reinvention of

the zone’s development as well.

Tan-Tan Moussem by the Moroccan government has already embedded new qualities to the cultural festival1.

1

Such as the Green Investment Conference took place in the 2017 and 2018 Tan-Tan

Moussem. Propagandas and pictures of the Moroccan King Mohammed VI can also be seen all over the Moussem as the Moussem is sponsored by the Moroccan King. Government officials will also show up in the Moussem to demonstrate their sovereignty over the nomadic population.

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Year 4 Theme Park

Local Market

In the case study of China-Egypt TEDA

As mentioned, different activities are em-

Suez Trade and Economic Cooperation

bedded to the Moussem de Tanger Tech to

Zone, a theme park, TEDA Fun Valley Ac-

take a step further from the existing prac-

companied by the four star TEDA Swiss Inn

tice. These embedded activities are chosen

Plaza Hotel, was built as an investment and

to enhance the inclusion idea, which at the

social infrastructure. Indeed, not surpris-

same time can also generate benefits for

ingly as a Chinese logic, the theme park is

both the nomads and the zone develop-

subdivided into four smaller theme parks:

ment.

the Dinosaur Land, Automotive World, Candy World and Water World as if "more is better".

Local markets such as Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakesh are great attractions to the tourist.

It is a great way for them to buy Moroccan

However, it is doubtful that the 5.6 million

crafts, experience Moroccan food and

USD theme park can actually suit their

culture and engage with local people. The

goal. The theme park is located more than

fact that the local markets are also tempo-

100 km away from the capital city of Egypt

rary that vendors will pack up their shops

Cairo, which require more than one hour of

every night makes it a perfect program to

driving to reach the park. The fact that the

embed into the festival.

park is surrounded by industrial developments at the middle of desert landscape, make it super unattractive as a tourist attraction.

Typically, Berber nomads will sell their goods to the local merchants at a lower price, the merchants will in turn trade with local people and tourists for a higher price.

The fees associated with the theme park

Bringing the local market to the Mous-

such as entrance fee, foods and drinks also

sem can create a direct interface between

make it not likely to be a day to day activity

nomads, local people and tourist, hence,

for the local people.

increasing the income of nomads.

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III-14

Year 7 Spontaneous Development

Migrants' Camp

In the case study of Tanger Free Zone,

As a phenomenon of the European Mi-

spontaneous residential and small-scale

grant Crisis, there is a major influx of

mixed use industrial development along

migrants from the Sub-Saharan countries

the zonal edge can be seen. The develop-

into Morocco with the hope to cross Med-

ments took place right beyond the bound-

iterranean Sea and enter Europe. Having

ary of the free zone at a high speed, indi-

the shortest sea route between Africa and

cating that the zone is a zone of exclusion.

Europe, over the Strait of Gibraltar, Tang-

The difference in scale and quality between

ier has become a hot destination for the

buildings across the zone boundary also

migrants, especially when other options of

shows that the zone is foreign invest orien-

routes are being stopped by the European

tated, while local needs are not catered.

countries.

However, this does not imply that the route

Investment Center

of Morocco-Europe is easy to execute. In fact, many migrants did not have a chance

In the case study of Zambia-China Eco-

to enter Europe and needs to stay in this

nomic and Trade Cooperation Zone, a

gateway country between the two conti-

multi-storey investment and welcome

nents. A migrant camp was set up by the

center was built as an investment infra-

Moroccan government at the city center of

structure, to promote the zone and attract

Casablanca to house the migrants.

investors. Despite the lack of investment in the zone, fundings are being spent in the construction of investment center.

They are nothing they can whilst they are waiting for the repatriation of asylum application. This thesis therefore suggests moving the migrants' camp to the vacant lands of Tangier Tech City, at the same time allowing them to work in the development before their journey continuous.

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III-16

Year 10 50 % Vacancy

Accelerated Development

Both China's overseas economic zone in

Assisted by the economic benefits bought

Egypt and Zambia shows a major vacancy

by the nomadic activities and cultural her-

after 10 years of development.

itages, the zone development is predicted

In comparison to other case study zones in-

to be accelerated.

vested by European or Moroccan investors,

Following the already operating Tanger

although zones development generally has

Free Zone which focuses on the aeronautic

a longer development time than non-zonal

and automobile parts manufacturing, and

development such as the Renault Industrial

Tanger Automotive City which cooperates

Park, China’s overseas economic zones still

the largest car plant in Africa, Mohammed

show a major setback.

VI Tangier Tech City is also dedicated for the aeronautic and automotive industry.

Haite group, as one of the biggest aviation company in China, makes it a very desirable candidate to be part of the project.

However, even though they have also worked on multiple real estate developments, does not have experience in zonal development.

III-17

III-18

Year ?

Labour Shortage The proposal of the new economic zone said to provide 100,000 new jobs to the Moroccans. However, it is also a challenge for the labour market to ingest the new job supply. Having nomads and migrants to work in the factory would be a feasible way to fill in the job openings.

New Local Hub The empowered nomadic activities will bring in local people and tourist, hence, motivating the creation of a new and vibrant local hub along the peripheries of the Tangier Tech City. The establishment of a new local hub will further benefit the zones development as it brings in new workforce and opportunity of investment.

III-19

III-20

visualization

Berber Calendar Evolved from the Islamic calendar, the Ber-

In order to better visualize the adapted life-

ber calendar marks the important dates of

style of nomads in the development zone,

culture, festival and practice in accordance

the time frame of year 2 is expanded into

to the needs of Berbers and the morphed

the following set of drawing, demonstrat-

believe of Islam.

ing ten key moments of Indus-Pastoralism

A particular time frame of development

over the course of a year.

therefore could not represent the ev-

Those ten events include: herding, con-

er-moving nature of nomads in accordance

struction worker, summer migration, har-

to the Berber calendar.

vesting, Moussem de Tanger Tech, Trade Market, Tanger Job Fair, cattle market, planting and factory worker.

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IV-3

Herding Herding is the main way of living for Berber nomads. The economic zone can provide 2000 ha of temporary pastureland for varies length of time.

From October to May, before they leave Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City and migrate for the summer pastures, Berber nomads of the zone can herd in the vacant grasslands inside the zone.

The fact that the zone is located in the arable zone of Morocco means that the pasture quality will be higher than the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains. This can essentially support a larger number of herds per hectare.

Some of the land can also be utilized for farming, mostly cereal crops, to supplement their diet and the pasture for herds.

IV-4

IV-5

Construction Worker In recent history, many Berber nomads will work in cities and field as temporary worker for additional income. The economic zone provides large number of job opportunities for the nomads. Currently, the monthly salary of construction workers is around 10,000 dirham.

In the idea of Indus-Pastoralism, Berber nomads not only herd their animals and work in their agricultural fields, they will also work as workers inside the zone simultaneously to earn extra income.

IV-6

IV-7

Summer Migration Most Berber nomads migrate two times a year: to the highland areas during summer, and to the lowland areas and oases where they also have their fields and permanent home during winter.

In recent years, the seasonal migrations have also become a tourist attraction.

Tourists are willing to pay 1,400 USD to follow their migration route and experience Berber cultures in ten days.

In Tangier Tech City, vacant lands would provide winter pasture for the herds, therefore the nomads will migrate with their herds to search for summer pasture in May. The fact that the migration take place during summer break of European schools also makes the nomadic tourism more feasible.

IV-8

IV-9

Harvesting In accordance to the Berber calendar, in May, before the Moussem, nomads will harvest their fields to prepare for the festival. The harvested crops will be used for daily consumption, stored as winter pasture, or exchanged with locals for other goods.

Usually Berbers only practice one agricultural cycle per year. However, some Berbers also start to practice more intensive farming where two planting cycles are executed in one year.

IV-10

IV-11

Moussem de Tanger Tech

Trade Market

More than 30 Berber tribes will gather

Nomads traditionally trade with local

in the Moussem for a week to exchange

merchants and the merchants will return to

information, knowledge and goods. Since

the cities and resell their goods. Moussem

its creation, this festival has been appropri-

de Tanger Tech brings the nomads to local

ated for varies political and economic wills.

and tourist buyers directly, hence, increas-

Taking advantage of this, Moussem de

ing the income of nomads from the selling

Tanger Tech further expand the festival to

of goods.

avoid social and economic exclusion.

The dates of the Moussem changes every

Tanger Job Fair

year, varying from May to July. The Moussem itself is the key event that brings no-

Developers struggle to hire enough work-

mads, local people, investors and tourists

ers. Moussem de Tanger Tech brings large

together at one place. The coexistence of

number of locals and nomads to the eco-

different parties allowed other activities

nomic zone whose are all potential workers

such as job recruitment fair and trade mar-

for the zone. Have this in mind, Tanger Job

kets to take place.

Fair is created to let developers to hire and train their workers as the Moussem goes on.

IV-12

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IV-14

IV-15

Cattle Market

Planting

Happen around August, Eid al-Adha, also

From the Berber agricultural calendar, Iwe-

known as the festival of the sacrifice, is a

ggiben marks the first day of agricultural

Islamic festival which people will sacrifice

activities.

a sheep, goat, cow or camel and share it with the poor.

Factory Worker

The demand for cattle increases drastically during the festival and this is the period

Berber nomads bring new source of labour

of time where nomads sell their excess

to the market, filling up the job vacancies

livestock.

brought by the economic zone.

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acknowledgement I would like to sincerely thank my thesis advisor LU Xiaoxuan, this thesis would not be as complete without her support and guidance.

I would also like to take this chance to thank all who have given comment and support to this thesis, especially my friends, classmates and teaching staffs of the faculty.

statement of academic integrity I declare that this thesis represents my own work, except where due acknowledgement is made, and that it has not been previously included in a thesis, dissertation or report submitted to this University or to any other institution for a degree, diploma or other qualifications.

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