morocco irrigation based community … impacts of irrigated agriculture in morocco .5 ... project...

MOROCCO

IRRIGATION BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM(IBCD)

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

February 14, 2001

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MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Conununity Development Program (IBCD)

LIST OF ACRONYMS

AUEA Association des usagers des Eaux Agricoles

BP Bank Procedure

EA Environmental Assessment

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EPP Equipe de Programmation Participative

CGP Cellule de Gestion de Projet

CSEC High Council for Water and Climate

DAHA Direction des Amenagements Hydro-agricoles

DPA Direction provinciale de l'agriculture

IBCD Irrigation Based Community Development Program

MRPEUDH Ministry of Regional Planning, Environment, Urban Development and Housing

OP Operational Policy

ORMVA Office Regionale de Mise en Valeur Agricole

PAGER Rural Water and Sanitation Project

PAGI Programme d'rAmelioration de la Grande Irrigation

PGE Projet Gestion Environnementale

PMH Petite et Moyenne Hydraulique

SMI Small and Medium Scale Irrigation

UGP Unit6 de Gestion Provinciale

MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD)


CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................... pp. iii-viii

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICYFRAMEWORK ....................................... III

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPA CT ASSESSMENT ................................................................ IV

PROJECT DESCRIPTION. IV

PROJECTENVIROAMENTAL IMPA CTS .V

ENNVIRONMENTAL MANA GEMENT PLAN .VI

A. INTRODUCTION .1Objectives .1Approach .1

B. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FRAMEWORK .2Administrative Structure .2Government and Environmental Bodies .2Environmental Impact Assessment .3

C. THE SECTOR FRAMEWORK .4Irrigated Agriculture .4Environmental Impacts of Irrigated Agriculture in Morocco .5Water Resources Policies .5Water Resources Administration .7

D. PROJECT DESCRIPTION .7Component 1: Rehabilitation of SMI .8Component 2: Community Infrastructure .8Component 3: Institutional Strengthening .8Component 4: Preparation of Phase 2 .9

E. BASELINE DATA .9The Project Area: Mountainous Regions in Morocco .9

MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Pr. it.- r1'

Location, Climate and Agro-Ecology .................................. 10Protected Areas .................................. 11

F. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ....................................... 11Project Impacts ....................................... 11Operational Policies ....................................... 13

G. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ....................................... 13Mitigation ...... 13Monitoring ...... 13Capacity Development and Training .................................. 14Implementation Schedule and Cost Estimates .................................. 14

APPENDICES

1. Overview on Project Activities and Environmental Issues in Azilal (Costs: Total Ist Phase,Base Costs)

2. Mitigation3. Capacity Building in Environmental Assessment, Monitoring and Mitigation

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MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Commnunity Development Programn (IBCD)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

i) This report has been prepared in the context of the proposed "Irrigation BasedCommunity Development (IBCD) Program" which is the first step by the Moroccan Government toimplemenit its new "2020 Rural Development Strategy". The project, rated category B under"Operational Policy (OP) and Bank Procedure (BP) 4.01-Environmental Impact Assessment",constitutes the first phase (2001-2005) of a 13-year program to improve the livelihoods of small andmedium irrigation based communities. The first phase will be implenmented in the provinces of Azilal,Khenifra and Al Haouz. So far only project activities in Azilal have been defined in detail.

ii) Because of the project's participatory approach, the Environmental Assessmenztconcentrates on:

- the national environmental policy framework;

- institutional capacity; and

- explicit sub-project eligibility parameters to facilitate the determination of the likely extent ofenvironmental impacts, and integrate appropriate environmental mitigation measures intoproject design.

Environmental Policy Framework

iii) With World Bank support, the Government has analyzed the legal and institutionalsituation of the environmental sector in the country and economic instruments for pollution reduction,worked on new information systems and means for sensitization of the population in theenvironmental field (Projet de gestion environnementale, PGE). The next step will be the actualimplemnentation of priority measures under the .< Plan de developpement economique et social 1999-2003 >>. One of the priority areas in the legal field is tlhe putting in place of an Environmental ImpactLegislation (la Loi relative aux Etudes d'impacts sur l'environnement).

iv) The Environmental Administration in Morocco is currently in transition. As a result ofa reorganization, the State Secretariat for Environnmenit within the larger Ministry of RegionalPlanning, Environment, Urban Development and Housing (MRPEUDH) has become a Department.One of the new features, in line with general governmental strategy, is the creation of a Division ofCo-operation with local administrations and NGOs. The Pilot Project and Impact Analysis Divisionhas been assigned the role of coordinator of the Environmental Impact Assessment process onz thenationzal level. A regional representation of the new Department of Environment is envisaged in themid-term. Currently, however, the Pilot Project and Impact Analysis Division works on7 a sectoralbasis with other parts of the administration in evaluating environmental impacts of projects, and finaldecision-making takes place at the level of the Interministerial Committee on Impacts.

v) Because the Environment Department is not represented at the provincial level, it issuggested that the Provincial Departnents of Agriculture, in coordination with MRPUDH, take onthe role of implementing the Environmental Management Plans of the proposed Project through their<< Unite de gestion provinciale >>. The DPA will be responsible for ensuring that environmentalassessments of subprojects are carried out before they are adopted by the local population. The DPA

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MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Cozlimunity Development Program (IBCD)

will also be responsible for the quality of EMP execution and monitoring. In Azilal, a planning andmonitoring Unit alreadv exists for the implementation of the World Bank financed LakhdarWatershed Management Pilot Project'. Experience from implementing Lakhdar suggests the need tostrengthen the capacity for environmental assessment and EMP implementation through training andtechnical assistance..

Environmental Impact Assessment

vi) Currently, Environmental Assessments are not mandatory in Morocco. The draft law(Projet de Loi relative aux Etudes d'impacts sur 1'environnement) and the pertinent regulations(Projet de De'cret pris pour l'application de la loi relative aux etudes d'impacts sur l'environnement)on Environmental Impact Assessment have been in the legislative pipeline for some years.Nevertheless, an Environmental Assessment was undertaken for the proposed Project, as required byOP/BP 4.01. Its findings are summarized below.

Project Description

vii) The IBCD is part of the Government's "Strategie 2020 de de'veloppement rural". Theoverall program is going to be implemented over a period of 13 years with the objective ofrehabilitating an area of 46,000 ha in 15 provinces of small and medium size irrigation plusintegrated rural development measures in infrastructure and agricultural developmnent. The subject ofthis environmental assessmnent is the first phase of this program planned for five years from 2001 to2005. In the course of this first phase, rehabilitation and modernization of small and mediumirrigation and rural infrastructure will be financed in the provinces of Azilal, Khenifra and Al Haouz,plus the integrated programminlg for six additional provinces to be included in a second four yearphase after 2005.

Component 1: Rehabilitation of SMI

viii) After technical examination and selection by DAHA, 21 SMI perinmeters have beenidentified in Azilal province with a total area of 3,450 ha. For the two other provinces under the firstphase (Khenifra and Al Haouz), rehabilitation works will be executed on an area of around 6,000 haselected through beneficiary involvement. These activities will be undertaken using a participatoryapproach that will be introdutced by Equipes de programmation participative (EPP) at the provinciallevel and in the Centres de Travaux (Local extension offices).

ix) Technical studies and design will be done jointly by national consultants anidAgricultural Water Users Associations (A UEA) under the supervision of the Provincial Directoratesfor Agriculture (DPA). Operation and maintenance costs for the rehabilitated infrastructure will bethe obligation of tlhe AUEA.

Component 2: Community Infrastructure

x) Community Infrastructure refers to three subconiponents:

I Projet pilote d'amenagement du bassin Versant de l'Oued Lakhdar.

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MOROCCO. Irrigation Based Comomulnit, Development Program (IBCD)

Rural Roads: For Azilal, rehabilitation 116 km of rural roads in the 21 identifiedSMI perinmeters are foreseen, For the provinices of Al Haouz and Khenifra, 70 kmper province are estimated. 33% of the costs will be borne by the respectivecommunities.

In the douars that are not already covered by the World Bank financed rural watersupply project, PAGER, water points would be established under a cost sharingarrangement with the respective communities bearing 15% and the users 5%.Users will be responsible for operation and maintenance.

Other infrastructure investments would include electrification, health andeducation. These are already covered under other programs for Azilal, but notnecessarilv for the other provinces in phase 1.

Component 3: Institutional Strengthening

Participatory, integrated programming: Project interventions will be based on aparticipatory approach aimed at institutionalizing the integration of the activitiesof the various technical agencies. This will take place at three levels: national(programming manual and series of workshops for its strengthening by local levelinvolvementt), provincial (identification of "zones" de developpement), and local(strengthening of participation programming teams and implemenltation plans).

Sustainable agricultural intensification: technical guidelines specific for eachzone, research and development, demonstration plots, technical training andextension.

Component 4: Preparation of Phase 2

xi) In the same way the two provinces of Khenifra and Al Haouz will be prepared in the firstphase, the project willfinance identification studies for the six provinces covered by the second phaseof the program.

Project Environmental Impacts

xii) Based on the analysis of project activities, the project is expected to result in a number ofpositive environmental impacts. Negative impacts are expected to be either offset by integratingmitigating measures into the project design or by reducing their risk to acceptable levels. A summarytable of significant environmental impacts is attached in Appendix 1. The following list representspotential significant impacts for thefirst phase assuming tlhat similar issues would be relevant also forproject interventions in Al Haouz and Khenifra, aldi. ,tgh these have not yet been defined in detail.

xiii) Main positive impacts would be:

- Reduction of water losses through improved canal systems and better systems ofoperation and maintenance;

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MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Coinmunui4y Developmenlt Program (IBCD)

Incentives for more efficient water use through measurement of waterconsumption;

Substantial improvement of safety through betterfloodprotection;

Sustainable intensificationz reduces pressure for conversion of marginal lands;

Rehabilitation/improvement of roads and proper maintenance, including drainage,is expected to reduce erosion;

Access to clean water (water points) is expected to reduce incidents of water bornediseases;

Awareness raising for the integrated approach helps promote consideration ofenvironmental matters;

- Provision of information on the environment in the project areas can help avoidnegative environmental impacts and be usedfor sub-project assessments.

xiv) Main negative impacts would be:

- Potential increased agrochemical pollution due to increased use of pesticides and fertilizersalong with improved availability of irrigation water;

- Potential ecological impacts of increased water diversion - effects on wetlands and other typesof non-agricultural vegetation;

- Potential use of irrigation canals for non-agricultural water supply and as a sewer in ruralsettlements - disease problems;

- Building of new roads could lead to more erosion and disturbance of vegetation;

- Potential uncontrolled disposal of dredge, excavation and constnrction material/debris leads todisturbed land areas and induces uncontrolled waste dumps;

- Salinization risk increased with increased irrigation if water quality is not properly monitoredand drainage ensured;

- Possible hvgiene problems at waterpoints; and

- Risk of overexploitation of groundwater resources through mechanized pumping of potablewater.

Environmental Management Plan

xv) The Environmental Management Plan proposed for Azilal will serve as example for thetwo other provinces Khenifra and Al Haouz. The EMP consists of the three parts: mitigation,monitoring and institutional measures.

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MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Communtuity Development Programn (IBCD)

Mitigation

xvi) Environmental impacts, mitigation measures and responsibilities for implementation arepresented together in Appendix 2. No additional costs apart from capacity building are foreseen, asmitigation measures are being integrated into the project design.

Monitoring

xvii) Key environmental aspects of the project have to be moniitored to allow for correctiveaction - if necessary - during supervision. A realistic monitoring program would be developed underthe capacitY building exercise defined in Appendix 3 rather than a prescribed program that is notgoing to be executed because it is too far from implementation realities. For monitoring to besuccessful, it has to be developed with the people in charge implementing it. This would involve -linked to the impacts assessed - the description of simple but meaningful monitoring measures andparameters, sampling locations, frequency of measurements, and definition of thresholds that willsignal the need for corrective action. Monitoring and reporting would be the responsibility of theUnite de gestion de projet under the DPA, but with assistance from the Centres de Travaux, WaterUsers Associations and beneficiaries in the communities. Reports on the basis of the jointly developedmonitoring programs would be made available to the Cellule de gestion de projet and the WorldBank TTL and Environmental Specialist, and would be evaluated during supervision.

Capacity Development and Training

xviii) In Azilal Province, experience with the implementation of the Lakhdar WatershedManagement Pilot Project (Projet d'ame'nagement du bassin versant de l'Oued Lakhdar) suggeststhe need for effective implementation of mnitigation measures and monitoring and increased capacityin the field of environmental impact assessment.

xix) In coordination with MRPEUDH, it is therefore suggested to include local technicalassistance in the project to provide for capacity building in Environmiental Assessment procedures,the (currently draft) National Environmental Impact Legislation and implementation and monitoringof the Mitigation Plan (Appendix 2). This would include participationi in a one-week workshop andguided execution of a subproject EA with the help of a national Environmental Assessment Specialist.Participants in this workshop at the provincial level would be two persons from the UGP, who wouldbe responsible for the co-ordination of the EA process, representatives from the relevant Centre deTravaux, the EPP, the rural communities and the Water Users Associations. It is strongly suggested -particularly with regard to monitoring to involve the Direction du developpement et de la gestion del'irrigation (Cellule de l'environnement) and its experiences in monitoring and supervision ofenvironmental impacts related to the implementation of PAGI 2 (Deuxieme program d'ame'liorationde la grande irrigation). This involvement would include the review of the draft terms of reference forcapacity building and sening as a resource person/technical expert in the workshop as counterpartfor a national Consultanzt (froni a Bureau d'etudes) in Environmenital Assessment.

,rx) In addition to the workshop, the national consultant would conduct a .< ModelEnvironmental Assessment >> with the selected members of the UGP for a concrete, real life sub-project. The workshop and Model EA exercise would be repeated in Khenifra and Al Haouz.

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MOROCCO: Irrigation Bawed Communitv Development Programil (IBCD)

Implementation Schedule and Cost Estimates

xxi) For the EMP to be effective, it must be seen as part of the project. Funding in the amountof US$26,650 for essential capacity building is being made available as part of the under overallproject costs (see Appendix 3 for details). As explained above (paras. xix and xx), most of themitigation measures are integrated into project design. Implementation of these measures would bemonitored as part of the project monitoring and evaluation system. A covenant to this effect would beincluded in the Loan Agreement The workshop and capacity building would start right after projectlaunch.

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MOROCCO

IRRIGATION BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (IBCD)


A. INTRODUCTION

Objectives

1. This report has been prepared in the context of the proposed "Irrigation BasedCommunity Development (IBCD) Program" as part of the Moroccan Government's "2020 RuralDevelopment Strategy". The project, rated category B under Operational Policy (OP) and BankProcedure (BP) 4.01 Environmental Impact Assessment", constitutes the first phase (2001-2005) of a13 year program to improve the livelihoods of small and medium irrigation based communities. Thefirst phase will be implemented in the provinces of Azilal, Khenifra and Al Haouz. Only for Azilalproject activities have already been defined in detail. The purpose of the assessment is to:

- assess positive and negative impacts of the first phase of the project on theenvironment and propose appropriate environmental mitigation measures;

- prepare a specific environmental management plan (EMP) for Azilal, that couldserve as model EMP for future sites;

- provide a simple manual for sub-project review for inclusion into the ProjectImplementation Manual.

Approach

2. Given the evolving nature of the flexible Adaptable Program Loan and the integrated,decentralized programming and budgeting of rural development activities under the project, keyissues compared to a "standard type" project Environmental Assessment are that thesubprojects/components are, for the most part, not known at appraisal. Consequently, there is a needfor the development of mechanisms for applying Environmental Assessment and EnvironmentalManagement Plan (EMP) procedures for the program. In terms of defining an adequate type ofEnvironmental Assessment the approach taken combines features of Financial Intermediaries projectswith a Sector Assessment. More attention as compared to a "standard" Environmental Assessmentwill therefore be given to:

- the national environmental policy framework;

- institutional capacity; and


program specificity, i.e. explicit sub-project eligibility parameters to facilitate thedetermination of the likely extent of environmental impacts, and integrateappropriate environmental mitigation measures into the project design.

B. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY FRAMEWORK

Administrative Structure

3. Morocco has recently undergone major political liberalization. Following legislativeelections on November 14, 1997, King Hassan II appointed a long-standing opposition figure,Abderrahmane Youssoufi, as Prime minister on February 4, 1998. The new Government's economicprogram, presented on April 17, 1998 and elaborated upon since, embodies a balanced emphasis on:(1) prudence in macroeconomic and fiscal management; (2) reforms to improve public sectorperformance and harness the potential for private-sector-led growth; and (3) the need for broad-basedhuman and social development, particularly in the country's least developed areas. Under the newgovernment, a regime of fiscal discipline is being implemented. Government has shown continuity intaking forward the legislative agenda initiated by its predecessor.

4. With World Bank support, Government has analyzed the legal and institutional situationof the environmental sector in the country and economic instruments for pollution reduction, workedon new information systems and means for sensitization of the population in the environmental field(Projet gestion environnementale, PGE). The next step will be the actual implementation of prioritymeasures designed under the << Plan de developpement economique et social 1999-2003 >>. One of thepriority areas in the legal field is the legal endorsement of environmental impact legislation (Loirelative aux Etudes d'impacts sur l'environnement).

Government and Environmental Bodies

5. The importance of organizational structures for the success of environmental strategiesand policies was the starting point for the PGE. It therefore included analysis and recommendationsfor restructuring the environmental administration in Morocco. In August 2000, however, theSecretariat d'6tat a l'environnement within MRPEUDH was downgraded into a Department.

6. More than a dozen Ministries have a role in Environmental Management. The main onesin the context of this project are:

- Ministry of Regional Planning, Environment, Urban Development and Housing(MRPEUDH):

As part of this Ministry, the Department of Environment plays a coordinating rolein crosscutting environmental issues and decision-making in interministerialcoordinating bodies.

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Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Forests:

Forestry, Protected Areas, Hunting and Fishing, Soil Conservation and CombatingDesertification, Plant Protection and Animal Health; additional responsibilitiesunder the Direction des eaux et des forets et de la conservation des sols;

Ministry of Public Works:

Water regulations, large-scale water infrastructure, quantity and quality issues,coastal zones;

Ministry of Health:Waterborne diseases, sanitation, hygiene, etc.

7. The Environmental Administration in Morocco is currently in transition. As a result of areorganization in August 2000, the State Secretariat for Environment within MRPEUDH wasdowngraded into a Department. Still, in line with general governmental strategy, the Direction of Co-operation with local administrations and NGOs is active. The Pilot Project and Impact AnalysisDivision also continues to play the role of coordinator of the Environmental Impact Assessmentprocess at the national level - anything more would go beyond the capacity of this small unit. Aregional representation of the Department of Environment is still envisaged in the medium term;currently however, the Pilot Project and Impact Analysis Division works on a sectoral basis withother parts of the administration in evaluating environmental impacts of projects, with final decision-making taking place at the level of the Interministerial Committee on Impacts.

8. Because the Department of Environment is not represented at the provincial level, it issuggested that the Provincial Agricultural Directorates (DPA), in coordination with the EnvironmentDepartment of MRPEUDH, take on the role of implementing the Environmental Management Plansof the Project through their << Unite de gestion provinciale ,>. The DPA will also ensure environmentalassessments of subprojects are carried out before they are adopted by the local population. The DPAwill be responsible for the quality of EMP execution and monitoring. In Azilal, a Planning andMonitoring Unit already exists for implementation of the World Bank financed Lakhdar WatershedManagement Pilot Project'. Experience from implementing Lakhdar suggests the need to strengthenthe capacity for environmental assessment and EMP implementation. A proposal for institutionalstrengthening is attached in Appendix 3.

Environmental Impact Assessment

9. Currently, Environmental Assessments are not mandatory in Morocco. The draft law(Projet de Loi relative aux Etudes d'impacts sur l'environnement) and the pertinent regulations(Projet de Decret pris pour l'application de la loi relative aux 6tudes d'impacts sur l'environnement)on Environmental Impact Assessment have been in the legislative pipeline for some years and areexpected to be approved this year.

Projet pilote d'amenagement du bassin versant de l'Oued Lakhdar.

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C. THE SECTOR FRAMEWORK

10. The proposed project takes an integrated approach to rural development. Because of thefocus on irrigation, however, it is appropriate to have a closer look at Morocco's water sector. Inaddition to water shortages, overall environmental issues include deforestation, soil erosion and theeffects of industrial effluent, which have become health hazards in several urban areas. A new waterlaw, approved in 1995, aims at improving resource management by emphasizing co-management foreach watershed with a view to promoting stakeholder participation and co-operation. Morocco hasvast areas of rain-fed and irrigated arable land: agriculture still accounts for 17 percent of GDP and30% of exports. The sector employs 40 percent of the economically active population. Production isvariable due to its dependence on climatic conditions. The agriculture sector is highly protectedthrough trade restrictions, tax exemptions, and subsidies - including on water. Irrigated agricultureuses around 85 percent of mobilized water in Morocco. Frequent droughts have aggravated waterscarcity in Morocco and clean water is becoming more expensive due to increasing pollution anddeclining water resources. Rational water use depends on implementation of adequate water pricingand a strategy for sustainable use.

Irrigated Agriculture'

11. Out of a total land area of 71 million ha, agriculture in Morocco uses around 9 million ha,or roughly 12%. For the most part, agriculture takes place in the Northwest of the country and in themedium/high areas of the Atlas mountain range. The climate is typically semi-arid: cold in the winterand dry in summer. Precipitation is low, unevenly distributed and varies immensely from one year tothe next. Although the regions in the North, North West and in the central part of the country(including the project areas) are relatively better off in terms of precipitation as compared to theNorth East and the South, they too depend on additional water sources for agricultural production.

12. After a relatively slow build-up of modern-day irrigation infrastructure from the end ofthe twenties to the end of the sixties of this century, a rapid expansion followed in the three decadesafter 1968: 78 dams or more than 80% of all dams in the country were built in this period. This rapidconstruction of large scale infrastructure allows the use of an average of 13.2 billion m3 of water perannum, out of which 83% is reserved for irrigation and 17% is used for drinking water and forindustrial production. Total irrigable lands in Morocco amount to an area of 1.6 million ha, out ofwhich 1.36 million ha are perennial and 0.3 million ha are seasonal. There are two types of irrigationschemes: large-scale irrigation ("grande hydraulique"), 880,000 ha; and small and medium scaleirrigation ("petite et moyenne hydraulique, PMH"), 780,000 ha. Actually irrigated (in 1998) wereonly 616,000 ha of large-scale and 330,000 ha of small and medium scale.

13. Along with expansion of irrigation, especially large-scale irrigation, came intensificationin terms of fertilizer and pesticide use, partial mechanization and attempts at agricultural extension.Fertilizer use increased from 23,540 tons in 1956 to 720,000 tons in 1996. Half of today's amount isused in the large-scale irrigation schemes. Annual pesticide use in the country amounts to 7,400 tonsper year, most of which (6,600 tons) is used in citrus and early vegetables. According to extensionpersonnel met during field visits, lack of knowledge on proper application and handling of fertilizers

The following two sections draw heavily on: Mohammi, Assou (1999): Impacts de l'irrigation sur l'environnementau Maroc. Direction du developpement et de la gestion de l'irrigation. Rabat.

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and pesticides is very serious problem leading to economical and ecological damage (e.g. usedcontainers, handling of obsolete pesticides).

14. In contrast to these large-scale irrigation areas, however, the small and medium irrigationareas in the provinces of Azilal, Khenifra and Al Haouz, which are the focus of the proposed project,rely mainly on diversion of streams and use few chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Environmental Impacts of Irrigated Agriculture in Morocco

15. Main environmental problems in Morocco connected to Irrigation practices are similar tothe ones found in comparable climates:

- Salinization of soils due to poor water quality management and poor drainage,resulting in declines in yields and product quality in the short term and exclusion ofcertain crops for cultivation in the longer term with changes in chemical, physicaland hydrological features of the soils;

- Compaction including deeper layers of soils can lead to waterlogging, furtherincrease the risk of salinization and reduced productivity;

- Irrigated agriculture can lead to negative effects on surface water - saline drainagewater discharges but also by discharging nitrates and pesticide residues into surfacewaters;

- Groundwater salinity (conductivity higher than 3 mS/cm) is relatively widespreadin Morocco, nitrites and nitrates are also found in groundwater. In the case ofnitrates, the values go frequently beyond 50mg/l;

- Groundwater exploitation has lead in the course of a number of very dry years tothe overexploitation of groundwater resources. In some areas (e.g. Souss Massaand Loukkos) there is the imminent risk of salt water intrusion caused by vastoverexploitation;

- Water borne diseases poses a risk particularly in the warmer regions and ofproper maintenance/cleaning up of the irrigation infrastructure;

- Drainage discharges containing phosphorous, pesticide residues and nitratesconstitute a risk for fauna and flora in general and migratory birds and fish, inparticular for their reproduction.

Water Resources Policies

16. The water sector plays a central role in Morocco's economic development and has beenstrongly supported by the Government. The urban water supply and large-scale irrigation subsectorsare relatively well developed. In 2000, in spite of strong demographic growth and urban migration, 90percent of the urban population are supposed to be connected to treated water supplies. In addition, a

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50 percent expansion of modern irrigation has brought the total irrigated area to one million hectares.Irrigation and drinking water absorb 85 percent and 12 percent respectively of total mobilised waterresources. Hydropower contributes about 15% of the country's total energy production.

17. A Water Sector Review (1995) showed that despite major achievements, Morocco facesan increasing challenge in water resource management. The anticipated growing disequilibriumbetween rising demands, resulting from rapid expansion of irrigated areas and urban development,and a slowing of the growth in available supplies has actually occurred; this trend is compounded bythe exploitation of more marginal supplies, the depletion of aquifers and the pollution of availableresources. Sanitation infrastructure has not kept pace with drinking water supply and urban effluent isa major contributor to the pollution of surface, coastal and groundwater. In addition, industrial andagricultural pollution, together with erosion of the watersheds, has resulted in a degradation of waterresources. Polluted water is a major contributor to disease in rural areas, as only a minor percentageof rural water supplies are treated. Main issues and constraints as identified under the WaterResources Management Project are:

- Growing Water Scarcity and Deteriorating Quality. Per capita water resourcesavailable for mobilization are expected to fall from 837m3 in 1990 to 514m3 in2020. In 2020, it is projected that Morocco will move from being defined as"water-stressed" to being a "chronically water-stressed" country. Growing scarcityis anticipated as a result of rising demands, resulting from rapid expansion irrigatedareas and urban development, and a slowing of the growth in available supplies(resulting from the exploitation of more marginal supplies), the depletion ofaquifers and the pollution of available resources. Polluted water is the majorcontributor to disease in rural areas.

- Limited provision of Rural Potable Water. Despite Morocco's success inproviding potable water to its urban inhabitants, the provision of rural potablesupplies remains a challenge. An estimated 45% of the population lives in ruralareas, but only 30% have access to safe and reliable sources of water with stronglynegative impacts on the health of the rural population.

- Low Efficiency in Irrigation. Overall water-use efficiency in irrigation includingwater conveyance and application operations is around 40%; i.e. under half of thewater delivered to farms actually reaches the crops. The Government's aim ofexpanding irrigated areas in a situation of scarce water supplies and reducedsubsidies puts into doubt the sustainability of existing farming practices, raisingdoubts as to the economic viability of some irrigated areas.

- Ineffective Use of Existing Infrastructure. Inadequate maintenance of existinghydraulic infrastructure has lead to financial losses resulting from reducedoperating efficiencies. Main problems are siltation and reduced storage capacity ofdams and conveyance losses in primary and secondary canals of up to 25%.

- Weak Institutional Capacity. The institutional challenge to water resourcesmanagement is particularly difficult to resolve: policy-making is largelycentralized, with responsibility for water management resting with the sectoral

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ministries and agencies responsible for the different end-users resulting infragmentation of planning and management.

18. In order to assist in the development of a strategy for decisive policies to address thechallenges of water resources management in the coming decades, the Government and the WorldBank launched the Water Resources Management Project in 19981. The project promotes integratedmanagement of water resources, covering quantitative and qualitative aspects, with central co-ordination and decentralized management, ensuring participation of stakeholders and the privatesector.

19. The passage of the Water Law in 1995 was a major step in this direction, providing aregulatory, legal and institutional framework to support sustainable water management and includinga number of fundamental policy reforms such as: (a) the creation of river basin agencies fordecentralized water management and increased stakeholder participation; (b) the establishment oflong-term national and river basin water master plans; (c) introduction of water charges on bulk waterresources and pollution taxes; and (d) establishment of the monitoring and control of water quality.

20. The implications of this legislation for the small and medium irrigation areas in theprovinces of Azilal, Khenifra and Al Haouz, which are the focus of the proposed project, are limited,having basically to do with decentralized water management and increased stakeholder participation.

Water Resources Administration

21. The major changes introduced by the Water Law relate to the institutional system forwater resource administration:

- strengthening of the High Council for Water and Climate (CSEC) for improvingcentralized co-ordination of the water sector at large;

- preparation of a National Water Plan and river basin water masterplans; and

- the establishment of river Basin Agencies (RBAs) for decentralized Managementof water resources at river basin level.

D. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

22. The IBCD is part of Government's "Strategie 2020 de developpement rural". The overallprogram is going to be implemented over a period of 13 years with the objective to rehabilitate anarea of 46,000 ha in 15 provinces of small and medium size irrigation (outside the large-scale areascovered by the ORMVA) plus integrated rural development measures in infrastructure andagricultural development. The subject of this environmental assessment is the first phase of thisprogram planned for five years from 2001 to 2005. In the course of this first phase, rehabilitation andmodernization of approximately 9,450 ha of small and medium irrigation and rural infrastructure willbe financed in the provinces of Azilal, Khenifra and Al Haouz, plus the integrated programming forsix additional provinces in a second four year phase after 2004.

The World Bank (1998): KINGDOM OF MOROCCO: Water Resources Management Project. RuralDevelopment, Water and Environment Group, The World Bank, Washington D.C.

7


Component 1: Rehabilitation of SMI

23. After technical examination and selection by the DAHA, 21 perimeters have beenidentified in Azilal province with a total area of 3,450 ha. For the two other provinces under the firstphase (Khenifra and Al Haouz), rehabilitation works will be executed on an area of around 6,000 haselected involving beneficiaries. These activities will be undertaken using a participatory approachthat will be introduced by the Equipes de programmation participative (at the provincial level) andCentres de travaux (Local extension offices).

24. Technical studies and design will be done jointly by national consultants and Water UsersAssociations (AUEA) under the supervision of the Provincial Directorates for Agriculture (DPA).Operation and Maintenance costs for the rehabilitated infrastructure will be the obligation of theAUEA. For details on the rehabilitation works for Azilal see Appendix 1).

Component 2: Community Infrastructure

25. Community Infrastructure refers to three subcomponents:

- Rural Roads: For Azilal, rehabilitation 116 km of rural roads in the 21 identifiedperimeters are foreseen, while for the provinces of Al Haouz and Khenifra 70 kmper province are estimated. 33% of the costs will be borne by the respectivecommunity.

- In the douars that are not already covered by the World Bank financed rural watersupply project, PAGER, water points would be established under a cost sharingarrangement with the respective communities (15%) and the users (5%). Users willbe responsible for operation and maintenance.

- Other infrastructure investments would include electrification, health andeducation. These are covered under existing programs for Azilal but not necessarilyfor the other two provinces in phase 1.

Component 3: Institutional Strengthening

- Participatory, integrated programming: project interventions will be based on aparticipatory approach aiming at institutionalizing the integration of the varioustechnical agencies and their interests. This will take place at three levels: national(programming manual, and series of workshops for its strengthening by local levelinvolvement), provincial (identification of "zones" de d6veloppement), and local(strengthening of programming teams and implementation plans).

- Sustainable agricultural intensification: technical guidelines specific for each zone,research and development, demonstration plots, technical training and extension.

8


Component 4: Preparation of Phase 2

26. In the same way the two provinces of Khenifra and Al Haouz will be prepared in the firstphase, the project will finance identification studies for the six provinces covered by the second phaseof the program.

E. BASELINE DATA

The Project Area: Mountainous Regions in Morocco

27. The selection of the provinces covered under the program has been based in part on aniterative process taking into account the existing situation in terms of the state of irrigation and socialinfrastructure, agricultural potential and rural development indicators. Other considerations have beenexisting programs with or without external financing.

28. It is estimated that around 15% of the Morocco's national territory are mountainous with17% of the total population living there. There are three distinct geographical regions:

- the " Rif " in the North;- the "Moyen Atlas", in the centre of the country;- the "Haut Atlas"and "Anti Atlas" in the South.

29. Characteristic of all three mountainous regions is their disparity in terms of economic andsocial development compared to other parts of the country. Rather than catching up, these regionshave fallen even further behind in recent years. Prevalent subsistence agriculture has been affected bystrong population growth in that natural resources are being exploited to their limits and beyond.Visible results are vulnerability of rural livelihoods and forced emigration.

30. According to the analysis during preparation of the Lakhdar Watershed ManagementPilot Projectt, the farming systems in these regions are not sufficiently diversified and are dominatedby traditional and very extensive forms of farming. Farmers dedicate most of their land to subsistencefood production while only part of their land is suitable (erosion prone soils on steep slopes).Agroforestry and fodder production are not supported by an adequate level of technical support,training and extension. Because there is not enough fodder and grazing land, the otherwise well-adapted livestock keeping/pastoralism leads to overgrazing. Consequently, remaining forests areunder pressure by pastoralist seeking fodder for their herds. Farm sizes are usually small with lessthan 5 ha of arable land, with vulnerable, eroded soils and limited ability to irrigate. The LakhdarWatershed Management Pilot Project aims to improve land use and natural resource managementthrough better practices in soil conservation, water management, erosion control, reforestation andrange management. In particular, staff training is provided on key environmental issues, onenvironmental guidelines and on the techniques of environmental analysis. Workshops will also beheld to sensitize local communities on environmental issues.

Projet d'am6nagement du bassin versant de l'Oued Lakhdar. FAO Investment Centre Preparation Report. Annexe3: Developpement agricole.

9


Location, Climate and Agro-Ecology

31. Azilal Province which covers around 10,000 km2 iS situated entirely in the << Haut Atlas >>mountains with a population estimated at 470,000, 90% of which in rural areas. More than 80% of theprovince area lies 1,000 m or more above sea level. The relief is undulating with steep slopes andplateaus ending in sharp rims. The climate is Mediterranean influenced by the Atlantic Ocean.Altitude and relief create various diverse microclimates. Average rainfall is around 55mm/annum.Average temperatures vary between 12.7 and 19.1°C. Depending on the altitude, cold periods lastfrom 3 to 7 months. Harsh climate conditions and vulnerable soils together make agriculture difficult.Potentially though, the characteristic features of the agro-ecology in these mountainous regions couldresult in a diversified agriculture with quality production.

32. Forest cover in the province is estimated at 389,000 ha, confirming its sylvo-pastora]character.

33. Main irrigated crops in the province are grain (52% of area), various tree-crops (41%), andto a lesser extent fodder (9%) and vegetables (8%). An even higher share of grain is cultivated underrainfed conditions (65%), with 10% of tree crops and 21% of arable land left as fallow. The extensivelivestock rearing depends on fodder supply from the pastoral and sylvo-pastoral zones and by-products from grain production.

34. Al Haouz province consists of mainly hills and flat plateaus (500 - 800m above sea level)in the Piedmont zone and steep slopes between 1,000 and 3,000 in the mountainous valleys. Totalpopulation is 450,000 of which 90% live in rural areas. The climate varies from very dry in thePiedmont area (250 to 350 mm/annum) to slightly elevated precipitation figures in the high mountainvalleys (300 to 800 mm/annum) depending on the exact location and the strongly diversifiedmicroclimate.

35. In the piedmont zone, annual crops (grains) are dominant; tree crops, fodder andvegetable production is small. In the high mountain valley zone, however, there are areas withcultivation of tree crops like walnuts, olives, apples and plums. In addition, there is - to a lesserextent - vegetable and alfalfa cultivation.

36. Khenifra province comprises three distinct zones:

- the "Moyen" Atlas (medium altitude) from 1,000 to 2,000 m above sea level withprecipitation between 670 and 760 mm/annum.

- the "Haut" Moulaya, with an alluvial plains relief at 1,500 to 1,600 m above sealevel and precipitation ranging between 240 and 360 mm/annum.

- the "Haut" Atlas at 1,800 m to more than 3,000 m above sea level and precipitationat 380 mm/annum.

37. The total land area of the province amounts to 205,000 ha, 15% of which are cultivated.Population figures are not available, it is estimated that a large number of "farmers" are absenteeowners that leave their herds with hired shepherds. The actual situation of natural resources and theiruse is not very well understood and - according to the preparation report - needs to be assessedthoroughly before actual project preparation can proceed.

10


Protected Areas

38. Because of its location and topography on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean Coastswith extreme climatic variations, there is a rich variety of habitats and species: 39 major ecosystemtypes, ranging from mountain and lowland forests, grasslands and wetlands to coastal lagoons andmarine environments. There are an estimated 4,000 species of vascular plants, over 29% of themendemic. Morocco is the richest country in the Mediterranean in terms of fauna including 550 speciesof vertebrates, with 101 mammalian species and 22 endemic species of reptiles and amphibians.Thirty species of birds are endangered; and 31 species of reptiles and amphibians are threatened orendangered. Despite this, less than 1% of Morocco's surface currently has some form of activeprotection regime. The principal threats to biodiversity are habitat transformation and degradationthrough conversion for agriculture, urban expansion and industrial or tourism development. Around70% of the country's poorest population live in the rural areas, often with few altematives thannatural resources use. The population in the mountainous areas is the poorest of all and main targetgroup of the project lives in an area richest in biodiversity.

39. Based on a "Strategy for Protected Areas" completed in 1996, the World Bank hasprepared a "Protected Areas Management Project"' funded by the Global Environment Facility forimplementation beginning in 2000. The objective is to create a network of 8 parks and 150 other sitesof ecological and biological interest covering 3% of Morocco's land area. In the project provincesthere are four major protected areas: Aghbar (Reserve) and Toubkal National Park (under theProtected Areas Management Project) in Al Haouz, Tamga Reserve in Azilal and the Haut AtlasOriental National Park (under creation). While the project areas do not coincide with protected areas,great care will have to be taken in sub-project evaluation that impacts on protected areas will beavoided.

40. The Protected Areas Strategy may also be seen within the context of three other majorrecent studies - Forestry Development Plan, emphasizing sustainable forest management with theparticipation of the local population, a Watershed Management Plan focused on addressing watersheddegradation issues also with local populations, and a Biodiversity study, prepared by the StateSecretariat for Environment.

F. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Project Impacts

41. A summary table of significant environmental impacts is attached in Appendix 1. Thefollowing list represents potential significant impacts for the overall first phase assuming that similarissues would be relevant also for project interventions in Al Haouz and Khenifra although these havenot yet been defined in detail and may not be exhaustive for Khenifra and Al Haouz.

42. Main positive impacts would be:

- Reduction of water losses through improved canal systems and better systems ofoperation and maintenance;

Global Environment Facility (2000): MOROCCO: Protected Areas Management Project. Project Document,January 2000. Rural Development, Water and Environment Group, The World Bank, Washington D.C.

11


incentives for more efficient water use through measurement of water consumption;

Substantial improvement of safety through better flood protection;

sustainable intensification reduces pressure for conversion of marginal lands; and

rehabilitation/improvement of roads and proper maintenance (incl. drainage) isexpected to reduce erosion;

access to clean water (water points) expected to reduce incidents of water bomediseases;

Awareness creation for integrated approach helps promote consideration ofenvironmental matters; and

Provision of solid information on environment in project areas can help avoid negativeenvironmental impacts and be used for sub-project assessments.

43. Main negative impacts would be:

- Potentially increased agrochemical pollution due to increased use of pesticides andfertilizers along with improved availability of irrigation water;

- Ecological impacts of increased water diversion - potential effects on wetlands andother types of non-agricultural vegetation;

- Use of irrigation canals for non-agricultural water supply and as sewer in ruralsettlements - potential disease problems;

- Building of new roads could lead to more erosion and disturbance of vegetation;

- Potential uncontrolled disposal of dredge, excavation and constructionmaterialldebris leads to disturbed land areas and induces uncontrolled wastedumps;

- Salinization risk increased with increased irrigation if water quality is not properlymonitored and lack of drainage;

- Hygiene problems at waterpoints; and

- Risk of overexploitation of groundwater resources through mechanized pumpingfor potable water.

12


Operational Policies

44. While the applicability of the World Bank's OP 4.01 has been confirmed in the initialstages of project preparation, applicability of OP 4.09 (World Bank Policy on Pest Management) hasnot been concluded at pre-appraisal.

45. Based on OP 4.09 (version December 1998) it is argued here that IPM should explicitlybe integrated into the preparation of the Terms of Reference for the Component 3 under "Extension","Technical Guidelines", "Research and Development". Existing capacity in the field of pesticidehandling, application, proper storage etc. is very low (see section on Irrigated Agriculture).

G. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

46. For the Environmental Management Plan it is suggested to consider Azilal as an examplefor the two other provinces Khenifra and Al Haouz. The EMP consists of the three parts mitigation,monitoring and institutional measures. Based on the analysis of project activities, the project isexpected to result in a number of positive environmental impacts. Negative impacts are expected tobe either offset by integrating adequate measures into project design or by reducing them to their riskto acceptable levels.

Mitigation

47. Environmental impacts, mitigation measures and responsibilities for implementation areput together in Appendix 2. The additional costs, which are included in the project costs, areestimated at $26,650, consisting basically of local technical assistance and training. Implementationof mitigation measures would be monitored and evaluated as part of the project monitoring andevaluation system.

Monitoring

48. Key environmental aspects of the project as defined in the overview on environmentalissues and the effectiveness of their mitigation in Appendix 1, will have to be monitored as sub-projects come up for review to allow for corrective action - if necessary - during implementation. Arealistic monitoring program would be developed under the capacity building exercise defined inAppendix 3 rather than a prescribed program that is not going to be executed because it is too farfrom implementation realities. This would involve - linked to the impacts assessed - the description ofsimple but meaningful monitoring measures and parameters, sampling locations, frequency ofmeasurements, and definition of thresholds that will signal the need for corrective action. Monitoringand reporting would be the responsibility of the Unite de gestion de projet under the DPA, but withthe assistance from the Centres de Travaux, Water Users Associations and beneficiaries in thecommunities. Reports on the basis of the jointly developed monitoring program would be madeavailable to the Cellule de gestion de projet and the World Bank environmental specialist andevaluated during Supervision.

13


Capacity Development and Training

49. In Azilal Province, experience with the implementation of the Lakhdar WatershedManagement Pilot Project (Projet d'am6nagement du bassin Versant de l'Oued Lakhdar) suggeststhat to ensure effective implementation of mitigation measures and monitoring, capacity in the fieldof environmental impact assessment has to be strengthened.

50. The project will include local technical assistance to provide for capacity building inEnvironmental Assessment procedures for World Bank Projects, implementation and monitoring ofthe Mitigation Plan (Appendix 2). This would include participation in a one-week workshop andguided execution of a subproject EA with the help of a national Environmental AssessmentSpecialist. Participants in this workshop at the provincial level would be two persons from the UGP,who would be responsible for the co-ordination of the EA process, representatives from the relevantCentre de travaux. the EPP, the rural communities and the Water Users Associations. It is stronglysuggested - particularly with regard to the monitoring side to involve the Direction du developpementet de la gestion de l'irrigation (Cellule de l'environnement) and its experiences in monitoring andsupervision of environmental impacts related to the implementation of the PAGI 2 (Deuxiemeprogram d'amelioration de la grande irrigation). This involvement would include the review of thedraft terms of reference for capacity building and serving as resource person/technical expert in theworkshop as counterpart for a national Consultant (from a Bureau d'6tudes) in EnvironmentalAssessment.

51. In addition to the workshop, the national consultant would conduct a << ModelEnvironmental Assessment >> with the nominated members of the UGP for a concrete, real life sub-project. The workshop and Model EA exercise would be repeated in Khenifra and Al Haouz.

Implementation Schedule and Cost Estimates

52. For the EMP to be effective, it must be integrated from the outset into the project.Funding in the amount of US$26,650 for essential capacity building in Environmental Assessmentand Management will have to be made available as part of the in the overall project costs. Theimplementation of mitigation measures would be monitored as part of the project monitoring andevaluation system. A covenant to this effect would be included in the Loan Agreement. Most of themitigation measures are related to project design. These should be taken before loan negotiations. Forthe workshop and capacity building to start right after project launch, preparations should be initiatedright after negotiations.

14

MOROCCO: lrrigation Based Community Development Program (IRCI))Environmental Assessment

Appcndix 1: Overview on Project Activities and Environmental Issues in Azilal (Costs: Total I5 Phase. Base Costs)

ColIponenm Project 01jecii' e Projeci Aclifilie" Enironimienial ImIpacts Nlitigation and Re',iboniihi fi-A red liipleitientalion

1. Rehabilitation of About 9,450 ha in total,SMI (Cost US$17.84 6,000 in Khenifra and Almillion) Haouz

1.1 Rehab. of Azilal SMI rehabilitated: Positive impactsSmall and (3,500 ha) perimeters identified = Water collection/harnessing * Reduction of water losses throughMedium 21 pcmtr dnlid from springs feeding the seguias ReutoofwerlsstbugIrrigation (SMI) size between 20 - 1,500 improved canal system and a bettcr

ha (US$1,850/ha => Lining of main and sccondary system of operation and maintenancescguias with concrete * Incentives for morc efficient water

=> Establishment of measuring use through measuring waterpoints at the secondary offtakes consumption

Provision of intake structures at + Substantial improvement of safetyfield level through better flood protection

= Provision of flood protection * Sustainable intensification reducesstructures pressure for conversion of marginal lands

=> Maintenance for irrigationinfrastructure paid for by Negative Impactsbeneficiaries and ruralcommunities * Potentially increased agrochemical Extension and training on IP and

pollution due to increased use of sound fertilizer application in egratedpesticides and fertilizers along with in subcomponents and TORs or TAimproved availability of irrigation water under 3.2:and increased discharge - Extension

- Technical Guidelines- Research and Development- Technical Training

* Ecological impacts of increased Definition and regular monito ing ofwater divcrsion -potential effects on indicator vegetationwetlands and other types of non-agricultural vegetation

Construction of water points, vatcr* Use of irrigation canals for non- discharge measurement point betteragricultural water supply and as sewer in maintenance and cleaning ofrural settlements - potential disease imrigation infrastructure under the

MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD)Environmental Assessment

Appendix 1: Overview on Project Activities and Environmental Issues in Azilal (Costs: Total V5 Phase, Base Costs)

Copnen Pro)ject 0 tbieeli% e Plrt-ieet eiz %iiiies~ 1- nii0romnental lnip.lcali xiNlifiatizJn ani(i Rcvpow;vihfilN i1 or

Nrea Impleniientafion

problems project improves access to sec urewater, creates awareness of h althrisks and reduces disease pres ure

* Potential uncontrolled disposal of . .dredge, excavationi and construction Minmal disturbance ofmaterial/debris leads to disturbed land landscape/vegetation prescrib d inareas and induces uncontrolled waste workplan for contractors, sup rviseddumps by DPA

* Salinization risk increased with Water quality controls (condu tivity),increased irrigation if water quality is not simple drainage measures, best soilproperly monitored and lack of drainage and water conservation practi es

included in extension, technic Iguidelines. research and devel -optmientand technical training subcom onentsby DPA


Appendix 1: Overview on Project Activities and Environmental Issues in Azilal (Costs: Total I1 Phase, Base Costs)

toniponent I'roJect (0hbjecike Prijett Aclihilfti Fniiruoiniieniial F%sue% Nliligationii

2. Community Rural infrastructure notInfrastructure (Costs already provided underUS$11.1 million) existing programs

2.1 Rural Roads Azilal Improved access to basic Improvement of 84 km access roads Positive impactsrural infrastructure: and 36 km of liaison roads* 116 km of rural roads * Rehabilitationlimprovement of

= road width (between two side roads and proper maintenance (incl.drainage lines 5.0 m drainage) expected to reduce erosion

gravel layer thickness 0.2 m * Access to clean water (waterpoints) expected to reduce incidents

max long. slope 10-12% of water borne diseases

=> max cumber 3%

=> nin. width side drainage 0.7 m Negative impacts

=> min depth side drainage 0.5 m * Risk of overexploitation of Aquifer capacity assessed x-antegroundwater resources through and implementation of eff ctive

springs equipped with reservoirs, mechanized pumping control of water quantitie2.2 Water Supply Azilal * 90 water points = spipes andphydrants (dures max. pumped by DPA/ONEP

(estimated) pipes and hydrants (douars max. pme yDAOE600 inh.)

shallow wells with handpumps(douars with max. 300inh.)

shallow wells with Potential uncontrolled disposal Organized disposal of dre ge,~~ shallow wells witegelexcvatonsndexcavation and construction

(docaridiswithmax. 300 i ih s construction material/debris leads to material - without damag to(dOLars ith ax. 00 ih.) disturbed land areas and induces vegetation and wi thout cerating

= underground cisterns to be uncontrolled waste dumps ad-hoe waste disposal site

Azilal equipped with hand pumps* 150 water discharge (douars with max. 150 inh.)

measurement pointsmaintenance for unclassified * Hygiene problems at Proper fittings, strict sepa ationroads paid for by beneficiaries waterpoints towards animals, collectio of

2.3 Operation and Azilal Suslainability of rural and rural communities, by DRCR surplus water, awareness IrMaintenance infrastructure use for classified routes, investment hygiene considerations

costs for roads and water points strengthened (part. for wo nen).include design and supervision


Appendix 1: Overview on Project Activities and Environmental Issues in Azilal (Costs: Total I' Phase, Base Costs)

Componnei 1'ro ect 0 hjecliie I'rject l.cliviLies En' ironnienlal Issuei. Ntiligalion

A rea3. Institutional Support for participatoryStrengthening approach and enhanced(Cost US$5.80 agricultural servicesmillion)3.1 Participatory Positive impacts

programming3.11 Guidelines for National Operational procedures for => Series of workshops * Awareness creation for

integrated programming defined = Preparation of guidelines for integrated itgrated approach helps

progranuning programming environmental matters

3.12 Awareness National Awareness for decentralized => Awareness campaigns targeting MOA * Solid information oncampaigns and integrated approach technical directorates, locally elected environment can help avoid

created personnel negative environmental impacts

and be used for sub-project3.13 Mapping National Aerial mapping for definition = Aerial mapping of 80,000 ha assessments.

of SMI zoncs and land usepotential = Topographical mapping of 60.000 ha

(1:2000)

= Studies locating and defining SMIzones and their land and water potential

3.14 Selection of Future Future programming prepared Preparatory work for selection of zonesZones project and financial programming by

Areas - national consultants and nationalKhenifra "animateurs" grouped in mobile teams.andAl Haouz . Preparation of

- topographical,

3.15 Technical Studies Future Future programming - hydrological,project prepared. technical study for - geo-technical.Areas Azilal follow DAHA - engineering, andKhenifra approach - economical studiesand => Agreement between WUAsAl Haouz representing beneficiaries and MOA

3.16 Mobile Each = 2 4-WD, 2 computers. software, office.Participation province Ensure participation. driver, secretary. 0 & M costsTeams (mobile improved extension

Iv


Appendix 1: Overview on Project Activities and Environmental Issues in Azilal (Costs: Total is' Phase, Base Costs)

Componenl Project O-hjecliie Projecl %clIi'iief Fnironmenial lIvUeu Nlitigaliionirea

teams) effectiveness / futureprogramming prepared

3.2 Agricultural Positive ImpactsDevelopment Help provided in defining => Procurement of small meteorological

3.21 Meteorological factors aflecting crop yields: equipment (rainfall, temperature, * Better understanding ofstation 2 stations humidity, wind etc.) environment

= Capacity building and technical * Awareness creatcd forassistance negative impacts of improper/

overuse of fertilizers andpesticides (IPM) if addressedthrough effective extension/

3.22 Extension Production practices > Demonstration plots 0.25 ha for each demonstrationimproved 100 ha

* Sustainable intensification=> Procurement of small agricultural (Agricultural Development

equipment for extension personnel Subcomp.) reduces pressure forconversion of marginal lands

X Support for visits to demonstrationplots

3.23 TechnicalGuidelines Production practices X International Technical Assistance for

improved Elaboration of technical guidelines forthe different regions: crops and animalhusbandry - present activities andrecommendations

3.24 Research andDevelopmcnt Production practices National Technical Assistance (10 man-

improved months) for

- improving agricultural knowledge/practices, implementing/testingrecommendations from guidelines(See abovc)

2.5 Technical Training Production practices Technical training and study tours for

improved targeted technical personnel andselected farmers by specialized trainersand Mobile Participation Tcams

=> 3 national agricultural advisors, I

V

MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development Program (IBCD)Environmnental Assessment

Appendix 1: Overview on Project Activities and Environmental Issues in Azilal (Costs: Total I' Phase, Base Costs)

t4inIj) nEI Prtijeci OhjecIite I'roject .%cic ilie% EnL ironmenlal N%ue'" Nlitigati(on

irrigation advisor. I sociologist toensure farmers' involvement in trainingand perform effective advisory role

VI


Appendix l: Overview on Project Activities and Environmental Issues in Azilal (Costs: Total I' Phase, Base Costs)

(.o'n(1poilleill Pro,jeci 0h,jicihe I'ro,ject -0ktizilie En%ironmental ksusLec Nliligalion

4. Preparation of Phase II Integrated prograrnming of SMI

US$1.39 million rehabilitation and basic economicinfrastructure and social servicesin 6 additional provinces

vii


Appendix 2: Mitigation

Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures pImlementation CostsNegative:* Potentially increased agrochemical pollution due to increased Extension and training on IPM and sound fertilizer nat.: DAHA/CGP no extra costs foreseen

use of pesticides and fertilizers along with improved availability application integrated in subcomponents and TORs prov.: EPP, UGPof irrigation water for TA under 3.2: local: CT

- Extension- Technical Guidelines- Research and Development- Technical Training

* Ecological impacts of increased water diversion -potential monitoring of simple indicator vegetation prov.: UGP no extra costs foreseeneffects on wetlands and other types of non-agricultural vegetation local: CT, Communes rurales

* Use of irrigation canals for non-agricultural water supply and as construction of water points, water discharge nat.: DAHA/CGP no extra costs foreseensewer in rural settlements - potential disease problems measurement points, better maintenance and prov.: DPA, UGP, EPP

cleaning of irrigation local: CTinfrastructure improvements under the projectimproves access to secure water, creates awarenessof health risks and reduces disease pressure

* Potential uncontrolled disposal of dredge. excavation and Minimal disturbance of landscape/vegetation nat.: DAIHA/CGP no extra costs foreseenconstruction material/debris leads to disturbed land areas and prescribed in workplan for contractors, supervised prov.: DPA. UGP, EPPinduces uncontrolled waste dumps by DPA local: CT, Communes rurales

* Salinization risk increased with increased irrigation if water water quality controls (conductivity), simple nat: DAHA/CGP no extra costs foreseenquality is not properly monitored and lack of drainage drainage measures, best soil and water conservation prov.: EPP, UGP

practices included in extension, technical local: CTguidelines. Research and Development andtechnical training subcomponents

* Hygiene problems at waterpoints proper fittings, strict separation from animals, nat.: DAHA/CGP/CNC no extra costs toreseencollection of surplus water, awareness for hygiene prov.: EPP. UGPconsiderations strengthened (part. for women). local: Communes rurales, CT

* Risk of overexploitation of groundwatcr rcsources through aquifer capacity assessed ex-ante and prov.: DPA, UGP no extra costs foreseenmechanized pumping implementation of effective control of water local: Communes rurales

quantitIe ed AUEA


Appendix 2: Mitigation

Positive:* Reduction of water losses through improved canal system and a better system of operation and maintenance* Incentives for more efficient water use through measurement of water consumption* Substantial improvement of safety through better flood protection* Sustainable intensification reduces pressure for conversion of marginal lands* Rehabilitation/improvement of roads and proper maintenance (inl. drainage) expected to reduce erosion* Access to clean water (water points) expected to reduce incidents of water borne diseases* Awareness creation for integrated approach helps promote consideration of environmental matters* A solid information on environment can help avoid negative environmental impacts and be used for sub-project assessments.


Appendix 3: Capacity Building in Environmental Assessment, Monitoring and Mitigation

Environmental Assessment Course

1) Workshop

Participants

* two nominees from the UGP, who would be responsible for the co-ordination of the EA process;* one or two representatives from the relevant Centre de Travaux;* one person from the EPP (assist in facilitation);* representatives from the rural communities, local NGO's and the Water Users Associations.

Presenters/Instructors

* Experienced National Consultant (list of Bureaux d'6tudes for Environmental Impact Assessmentavailable in the Division des etudes d'impacts et des projets pilotes at the EnvironmentDepartment of the Ministry of Regional Planning, Environment, Urban Development andHousing (MRPEUDH).

* Resource Person from the Direction du developpement et de la gestion de l'irrigation (Cellule de1'environnement) to contribute experiences in monitoring and supervision of environmentalimpacts related to the implementation of the PAGI 2 (Deuxieme programme d'amelioration de lagrande irrigation).

Duration

Five days each in all three provinces.

Costs per course:USD

Transport participants (assumed 15 per course with rented vehicle) 500,-Lodging and subsistence for participants (USD30,- per day) 2250,-Material/room for presentation 500,-Subsistence for Presenters/Instructors (2*5*100) 1000,-Transport Experts (2* fromn/to Rabat one car) 350,-Honorarium Expert (5days preparation+5 presentation @ 200/day) 2000,-

Subtotal6600,-

2) Model Environmental Assessment

In addition to the workshop, the national consultant would conduct a << Model EnvironmentalAssessment >> with the nominated members of the UGP for a concrete, real life sub-project:

MOROCCO: Irrigation Based Community Development (IBCD)Environmental Assessment

Appendix 3: Capacity Building in Environmental Assessment, Monitoring and Mitigation

Subsistence for (5*100) 500,-

Transport Expert (from/to Rabat) 350,-

Honorarium Expert (2days preparation+5 presentation @ 200/day) 1400,-

Subtotal2250,-

TOTAL per Province 8850,-TOTAL first phase = 3 provinces 26,650,-

morocco irrigation based community … impacts of irrigated agriculture in morocco .5 ... project...

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