North Africa: Livelihood Capital and the Dynamics of Resilience
摘要
This chapter examines the interplay of livelihood capitals in North Africa, a region shaped by arid climates, water scarcity, political transitions, and economic dependencies. It begins with a regional overview of Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, situating their resilience challenges within demographic shifts, climate risks, and governance struggles. Natural capital is particularly strained, with declining precipitation, overexploited aquifers, and reliance on the Nile and Sahara aquifer systems. Human capital shows stark urban-rural divides, where urban centers benefit from better education and ICT infrastructure while rural communities face entrenched skill gaps. Financial capital varies significantly: oil-dependent Libya and Algeria experience volatility, while Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt rely heavily on remittances and tourism. Social capital is expressed through tribal affiliations, religious networks, and civil society movements that gained momentum after the Arab Spring. Physical capital reveals contrasts between advanced urban infrastructure and neglected rural systems. Case studies from Tunisia and Egypt illustrate how governance, migration, and youth-led innovation shape resilience trajectories. The chapter concludes that North Africa’s resilience depends on sustainable water governance, inclusive economic policies, and the strategic harnessing of migration and technological innovation.