Small and Medium Family Farming Affects 54% of the Rural Population
Ahmed Bouwari, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests, affirmed that small and medium family farming involves approximately 7 million people, equivalent to 54% of the rural population.
During his response to journalists’ questions following a government council meeting on Thursday, Bouwari explained that small and medium family farming has benefited from 55% of the public financial effort in the Green Morocco Plan, which translates to 52 billion dirhams out of 94.5 billion dirhams (including 21 billion dirhams for hydro-agricultural development, 11 billion dirhams in support and incentives funded by the Agricultural Development Fund, 14.5 billion dirhams for solidarity agriculture, 1.3 billion dirhams for livestock vaccination campaigns, and 2.2 billion dirhams to combat the effects of drought).
He added that the amount of 14.5 billion dirhams in public support directed at small farmers pertains solely to programs under the second pillar of solidarity agriculture, and does not reflect the comprehensive picture of the subsidies provided to small and medium family farming from various programs within the Green Morocco Plan.
After noting the pivotal role this sector plays in rural economy, food security, and job creation, Bouwari acknowledged that there are many challenges facing small and medium family farming. He highlighted that these constraints are structural and related to the nature of the national agricultural fabric, and are subject to a joint diagnosis aimed at continuing to mobilize efforts within an integrated vision that places small farming at the center of priorities.
