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Rabat – In collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Moroccan government has agreed to initiate an €82.6 million agricultural project to protect vulnerable rural farms in Morocco’s northeast Taza Province against the effects of climate change.
Agriculture represents 13% of Morocco’s GDP and employs 80% of people living in rural regions, says IFAD. Morocco is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, leaving farmers at risk.
The Taza Mountain Integrated Rural Development Project (PRODER-Taza) is set to benefit 11,200 houses in rural regions by increasing their productivity and ability to adapt during climate change, IFAD says.
The project will be launched in the Tainast and Aknoul areas and aims to target vulnerable smallholder farms while focusing on women and young people.
PRODER-Taza looks to integrate a “resilient orchard development model” sustainable during droughts and above average temperatures, says IFAD. Almost 24,200 acres of almond trees, 2,400 acres of fig trees, and 1,500 of olive trees will be planted.
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PRODER-Taza will also protect nearly 81,540 acres of cultivated land against erosion.
In addition, the project will restore rural roads to create easier access to markets while reducing transportation costs. One hundred rural microenterprises will open job opportunities to women and young people as well, says IFAD.
Naoufel Telahigue, county director for Morocco, stated that PRODER-Taza is “aligned with Morocco’s priorities in poverty reduction, nutrition and food security and addressing the needs of women and youth.”
Signed on December 3, the financial agreement includes the Morrocan government contributing €43.6 million, IFAD giving a loan of €31.9 million and a €0.6 million grant, and beneficiaries contributing €6.5 million.
Based in Rome, IFAD is an international financial institution and a United Nations food and agricultural agency. IFAD’s aim is to invest in rural communities to “empower them” against poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition, and strengthen resilience.
