Rabat – To address the threat to food security in Morocco and the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region, Morocco and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) signed an agreement on April 24, 2024, during a conference on food system transformation in Meknes.
The agreement formalizes Morocco’s participation in the $31.5 million US Regional Initiative on Water Scarcity, a collaborative project running from June 2024 to September 2028.
“We are at a crucial turning point where strengthening our food systems is imperative,” said Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Forests, Mohammed Sadiki. “This collaboration with FAO will improve the management and efficiency of water, essential for food security in our region.”
The initiative aims to enhance governance, build resilience in food systems, and improve water management practices in the face of climate change.
FAO Representative in Morocco, Jean Senahoun, highlighted the project’s transformative potential. “This project is not just about finances or technology,” he stated. “It’s a cooperation model that aspires to transform agricultural practices by integrating sustainability and innovation at the core of our food systems.”
The agreement reflects Morocco’s dedication to integrating environmental and climate concerns into its agricultural strategy, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the ongoing Salon International de l’Agriculture de Meknès (SIAM), held under the auspices of King Mohammed VI.
The 16th edition of SIAM, themed “Climate and Agriculture: Towards Sustainable and Resilient Production Systems,” underscores the urgency for the agricultural sector to adapt in the face of pressing climate challenges.
SIAM serves as a vital platform for addressing the critical link between climate variability and agricultural productivity. The event brings together a distinguished consortium of national and international experts and scientists to brainstorm solutions.
As one of the world’s premier agricultural fairs, SIAM boasts a remarkable track record, attracting over 923,000 visitors in 2023, along with 1,400 exhibitors, 2,000 breeders, and representatives from 70 countries.
