*2.1. Presentation of the Study Area*

The Loukkos perimeter is located in the northwest of Morocco between Rabat, the capital, and Tangier. The Loukkos perimeter covers an area of 256,000 Ha, with a large-scale irrigated part of 27,000 Ha. It includes the alluvial plains, located at different altitudes, the plateaus, and the roughly tortuous hills. The study area can be classified as the

Mediterranean climate, characterized by a sub-humid and temperate winter and by a hot and dry summer.

The surface water resources of the region are dominated by the Lokkous River, the most important river in the area. The hydrological regime of the Lokkous is pluvial and characterized by a strong inter-annual irregularity. A strong irregularity marks the seasonal distribution of the inputs during January and February. The villages and urban centers Ksar el Kébir and Larache are experiencing rapid growth caused by the success of the development of irrigated areas. This growth has generated an increase in various industries. However, the socio-economic infrastructure is not developing quickly due to inadequate planning and financial and human resources. This lack has generated negative repercussions on the environment of the region. It has led to the spread of unsanitary housing, especially in the surrounding rural areas, which poses health and environmental problems.
