Search

This chapter illustrates how the Soulaliyate movement was able to gain limited official recognition of their right to collective land. We draw mainly on the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) to analyze the process of land policy change. The social movement framework provided additional insights into coalition formation and strategies. Our methodology is based on desk and media reviews, as well as interviews with civil society actors. The analysis supported the ACF’s hypothesis on policy change.

This paper assesses the water privatization dynamics in Casablanca from a socio-economic and political perspective. It presents three main findings. First, the privatization of public water and sanitation in Casablanca took place under the tight control of the central government (the makhzen). While the delegated management was intended to improve water delivery, the outcomes after ten years are disappointing. Second, the public accountability of local elected officials came under strain due mainly to the power imbalances between a weak local delegating authority and a delegate with global power. Third, Casablanca's inhabitants have resorted to social protests to make their voice heard and claim their human right to water.