Social economy and territorial development in Chefchaouen (Morocco): the role of cooperatives in the framework of the National Initiative for Human Development

Abstract

This paper analyses the significance of cooperatives in the territorial development of the province of Chefchaouen on the basis of the actions linked to the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) between 2011-2018. Both quantitative methodology is used, to analyse variables such as the number of cooperatives, projects implemented, investment made or subsidies received or their territorial distribution, and qualitative methodology through information obtained from 12 in-depth interviews conducted in the field. The quantitative results show the scarcity of cooperatives and subsidised projects, as well as their concentration in the most dynamic communes, marginalising the poorest territories. Respondents' answers reveal the importance of the Initiative's support both for the implementation of projects and for improving the competitiveness of cooperatives. Other relevant aspects are, among others, the identification of the obstacles that still hinder the development of the cooperative fabric. It is concluded that the study area has not benefited sufficiently from this aid due to the lack of support and dynamization of the different institutions, and it is proposed that development and cooperation offices with the necessary human and logistical resources be created at the provincial level.