Water, Earth, and the Tribe

*Water, Land, and the Tribe: A Sociology of the Drâa Oases* offers an analysis of the institutional, economic, and social foundations of the Drâa oases in Morocco. The book demonstrates that the management of water, land, and labor is based on a set of customary institutions-notably the nuba, the jma'a, the touiza, and the urf-which have, for centuries, enabled the sustainable use of resources in an arid environment. Through an approach that combines institutional economics, economic sociology, and anthropology, the author highlights the central role of tribal organization in regulating resources and social relations. The study also examines contemporary transformations linked to drought, climate change, migration, the commodification of land, and public policies. It concludes that customary institutions remain relevant governance mechanisms for strengthening the resilience and sustainable development of oasis regions.