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| Beni Mellal-Khenifra | |
|---|---|
| Name | Beni Mellal-Khenifra |
| Native name | منطقة بني ملال خنيفرة |
| Settlement type | Region |
| Country | Morocco |
| Capital | Beni Mellal |
| Area km2 | 28,374 |
| Population | 2,520,776 (2014 census) |
| Established | 2015 (administrative reorganization) |
Beni Mellal-Khenifra is an administrative region in central Morocco created during the 2015 territorial reorganization. The region's capital is Beni Mellal and it comprises diverse landscapes from the Middle Atlas to agricultural plains near the Oum Er-Rbia River, with cultural links to Amazigh communities and historical ties to dynasties such as the Almoravid dynasty and the Alaouite dynasty.
The region spans parts of the Middle Atlas and the Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate vicinity, bordered by Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Casablanca-Settat, Marrakesh-Safi, and Fès-Meknès. Major hydrological features include the Oum Er-Rbia River, the Bin el Ouidane Reservoir, and numerous tributaries feeding into the Atlantic Ocean. Significant mountain massifs host species found in the Cedar of the Middle Atlas habitat, and ecological zones link to the Ifrane National Park and the Toubkal National Park conservation networks. The region's topography influences transport corridors such as the N8 road and affects agricultural patterns in plains irrigated by dams like Bin el Ouidane Dam and Afourer Dam.
Territorial legacies connect to pre-Islamic settlement and to medieval polities including the Zenata tribes, the Almoravid dynasty, and later the Alaouite dynasty. During the 19th century the area was affected by the Hassān chalifa interactions and by French expansion culminating in the French Protectorate in Morocco established after the Treaty of Fez (1912). The 20th century saw participation in anti-colonial movements tied to figures around the Istiqlal Party and the Moroccan Liberation Army. Post-independence administrative evolutions led to the 2015 reorganization that formed the present region alongside broader reforms referenced by the Kingdom of Morocco and institutions like the Ministry of Interior (Morocco).
The region is subdivided into provinces and prefectures including Beni Mellal Province, Khenifra Province, Azilal Province, Fquih Ben Salah Province, and Khénifra Province (note: local spellings vary). Governorship follows appointments from the Wali (Morocco) structure under the Ministry of Interior (Morocco), while elected regional councils include representatives from parties such as the Istiqlal Party, Party of Justice and Development (Morocco), Authenticity and Modernity Party, and Socialist Union of Popular Forces. Municipalities like Beni Mellal, Khenifra, Azilal, Fquih Ben Salah, and Kasba Tadla manage local services coordinated with national bodies including the Directeur Général des Collectivités Locales and the National Agency for the Development of Oases and Argan Zones for rural initiatives.
Population data from the 2014 Moroccan census indicate a multiethnic composition including Amazigh groups such as the Middle Atlas Berbers, Arabic-speaking communities, and minorities with links to Sub-Saharan Africa through migration routes. Urban centers like Beni Mellal and Khenifra feature demographic growth tied to employment in agriculture and services, while rural provinces exhibit patterns seen in national studies by the High Commission for Planning (Morocco). Languages prevalent in the region include Moroccan Arabic, Tamazight, and French as used in administration and education under curricula set by the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports.
The regional economy combines irrigated agriculture on the Oum Er-Rbia plain—producing cereals, citrus, olives, and vegetables—with livestock rearing in the Middle Atlas highlands. Irrigation projects associated with dams such as Bin el Ouidane Dam support agro-industrial units and cooperatives linked to organizations like the Office Cherifien des Phosphates for fertilizer supply and to the Agricultural Development Agency (ADA) initiatives. Mining and artisan crafts operate alongside small manufacturing in urban zones, tied to markets in Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakesh. Financial services are supplied by banks including Bank Al-Maghrib licensed banks and microfinance institutions active under regulatory frameworks from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (Morocco).
Key transport arteries include the N8 road connecting Marrakesh to Fès, regional links to the A7 motorway network, and rail connections via the national operator ONCF to major Moroccan cities. Airports with regional relevance include Beni Mellal Airport (BEM) for domestic flights. Water management infrastructure centers on Bin el Ouidane Dam and irrigation networks overseen by agencies such as the Office National de l'Electricité et de l'Eau Potable (ONEE). Telecommunications are serviced by providers like Maroc Telecom, Orange Morocco, and INWI, while health networks include provincial hospitals and facilities coordinated with the Ministry of Health (Morocco).
Cultural life includes Amazigh music and crafts reflecting connections to festivals like the Moussem of Imilchil traditions and artisanal markets in towns such as Kasbah Tadla and Khenifra. Historic sites comprise kasbahs, fortified structures with links to regional tribes such as the Ait Atta and historic trade routes to Tafilalet. Ecotourism and outdoor activities center on the Middle Atlas for trekking, cedar forests associated with Barbary macaque habitats, and water-sport opportunities on Bin el Ouidane Reservoir. Cultural institutions include municipal museums, cooperatives of artisans, and events sponsored by national entities like the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication (Morocco) and heritage programs connected to the UNESCO framework.
Category:Regions of Morocco