Mohamed Fekrat, Chairman of the Group Board of Moroccan Agricultural Credit, affirmed yesterday in Meknes that the financial sector can play a crucial role as a catalyst for change in addressing the challenges facing the agricultural forestry system, primarily by facilitating access to appropriate financing that meets needs.
During the fifth ministerial conference of the African Initiative for Climate-Smart Agriculture, held on the sidelines of the 17th International Exhibition of Agriculture in Morocco, Fekrat stated, “In the face of current challenges, we are convinced, as a leading national agricultural banking institution, that the financial sector has a key role as a catalyst for change by simplifying access to appropriate financing, promoting green innovation, and supporting the transition to resilient agricultural practices.”
He pointed out that areas of agricultural forestry particularly at risk are facing issues of water stress, soil erosion, and desertification, along with occasional difficulties accessing energy, financing, and markets, as well as the need to enhance the skills of local human capital.
Fekrat added that to address these issues, tangible measures must be implemented, such as preserving soil balance and improving water management, relying on renewable energy sources, enhancing sustainable technical practices (crop rotation, bio-fertilizers, organic farming…), and recycling agricultural waste and products.
He also mentioned that Moroccan Agricultural Credit has implemented six measures to promote the ongoing transition, extending its commitment beyond financing, by paying special attention to supporting and advising its partners in various regions, particularly in agricultural forestry.
Furthermore, the Chairman of the Group Board of Moroccan Agricultural Credit emphasized that the vision for agricultural forestry, viewed as a national and continental system, should be based on local knowledge, innovation, and close collaboration among all stakeholders.
It is noteworthy that this conference, held under the slogan “Agricultural Forestry and Climate Resilience: An African Vision for Food Security and Sustainable Development,” brought together a number of African agriculture ministers and various stakeholders, including financial and technical institutions, development partners, and representatives from the private sector, as well as researchers and academics.
This conference serves as a key political platform uniting African agriculture ministers to define the main strategic directions of the African Initiative for Climate-Smart Agriculture, which aims to enhance this adaptation—an essential challenge for economic and social development on the continent.
Additionally, the International Exhibition of Agriculture in Morocco 2025 runs until April 27, under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, featuring 1,500 exhibitors representing 70 countries, under the theme “Agriculture and Rural World: Water at the Heart of Sustainable Development.”
This event is a significant milestone for strengthening exchanges and consolidating international partnerships while highlighting practical responses to the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
