Solidarity Agriculture Strengthens the Resilience of Farmers in the Al Hoceima Region Against Drought
Programs for solidarity agriculture in the Al Hoceima region have significantly improved the conditions of farmers amidst consecutive years of drought, which have led to declines in crops, groundwater levels, and fruit trees. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture has launched new initiatives to support farmers and enhance their resilience to climate fluctuations.
These programs aim to protect farmers and ensure the continuity of their activities by implementing innovative strategies focused on rationalizing water use, achieving agricultural sustainability, valuing value chains, and strengthening farmers’ capacity to adapt to climatic constraints.
As part of the implementation of the Green Generation Strategy 2020-2030, particularly in relation to solidarity agriculture, the regional directorate of agriculture in Al Hoceima has completed a series of integrated projects approved earlier. These projects encompass five initiatives in various municipalities, including Beni Ammart, Sidi Bouzina, Beni Bashir, Beni Hdaifa, Zawiya Sidi Abd al-Qadir, and others.
In the fruit tree project, work commenced on planting 610 hectares of olives, 300 hectares of almonds, and 450 hectares of prickly pear, with a total budget of 17.7 million dirhams. Additionally, 650 hectares of pest-resistant cactus were planted.
In this context, Abdel Jalil Mounsef, an engineer at the regional directorate of agriculture in Al Hoceima, emphasized that these projects align with the high royal directives aimed at promoting rural development. He noted that the solidarity aspect of the Green Generation Strategy seeks to improve farmers’ incomes and boost self-employment, particularly among rural youth and women.
In a statement to Maghreb Arab Press, he added that the program currently targets farmers from fifteen municipalities who will benefit from the productivity of these agricultural projects, thereby contributing to supplying national markets with various products.
Given the impact of drought on grazing areas and livestock farming, the regional directorate of agriculture, as part of the rangeland rehabilitation program, supported the cultivation of drought-resistant forage plants, including the highly nutritious guatila. In the municipality of Rouadi, 100 hectares of this plant were sown, alongside the enhancement of 50 hectares of land and the construction of water barriers and watering points for livestock, with a total budget of 2.7 million dirhams.
Mouha Lamoudine, a technician at the regional directorate of agriculture, confirmed that the municipality of Rouadi hosted the first water barrier project in the region. He explained that this technique helps protect soil from erosion and preserve organic matter, and it has proven effective in other regions with similar natural characteristics.
The purpose of the water barriers technique is to maintain soil and water fertility by digging lines parallel to the mountain contours and building stone walls that restrict soil, seed, and organic matter erosion. This technique also aids in retaining as much water as possible and improving vegetation and grazing areas.
The region has also seen the execution of projects aimed at enhancing beekeeping practices, with the distribution of 1,480 full beehives and an equal number of empty hives, along with 296 sets of equipment for 296 beekeepers. Additionally, 29 cooperatives received honey extracting equipment, with a total budget of 2.5 million dirhams.
Other projects focused on enhancing red meat production, where 1,623 goats and 402 sheep were distributed to 277 rural women, along with 200 other women benefiting from herd restructuring initiatives, with a total budget of 11.3 million dirhams.
In terms of rural infrastructure, 30 kilometers of rural tracks were constructed in several municipalities, including Beni Bounas, Beni Ahmed Amekzen, Zawiya Sidi Abd al-Qadir, Beni Hdaifa, and others, with a total cost of 30 million dirhams.
These projects have resulted in improved agricultural productivity and ensured the sustainability of agricultural activities. Furthermore, the continuous support from agricultural services has reinforced the stability of the agricultural sector and bolstered local economic development in the Al Hoceima region.
