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Two investigations were carried out to characterize how farms manage work as a means to cope with several constraints. The investigations were based on the application of the “Work Assessment” method in 44 farms, located in two regions in Morocco. A first investigation protocol was applied in 30 farms in a rainfed agricultural area with possibilities of groundwater irrigation. The study showed that very small-scale farms specialize in cattle rearing. By contrast, farms with more land and capital tend to diversify their activities, mainly toward cash crops (vegetables and fruit trees), resulting in an increased use of off-farm staff. The second research protocol consisted in the use of the “Work Assessment” method in a sample of 14 diversified family farms in a large scale irrigation scheme. Work times in each agricultural activity (livestock and crops) were quantified, distinguishing the contributions of family members and those of the off-farm workers. Altogether, the results of the two investigations confirm the crucial role of livestock production for smallholder farms’ resilience, given they have almost no options in investing in cash crops. However, the limited gross margins received from cattle rearing may imply that it could have limited attractiveness for the young generations. By contrast, in larger farms, livestock is kept as a means of diversifying the sources of incomes, farmers criticizing its very limited gross margins and its relatively high needs in work. Finally, in a context of growing tensions on workers availability, it appears that work, whether assumed by family members or hired workers, is becoming an increasing source of troubles in Morocco. This may add constraints for the achievement of ambitious increases in the staple food production in the coming years.

Work management as a means to adapt to constraints in farming systems: a case study from two regions in Morocco