Agadir – Ahmed El Bouari, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, launched a series of solidarity-based (community-driven) agriculture projects on Tuesday to strengthen Morocco’s agricultural and livestock sectors.
One of the initiatives involves a solidarity-focused livestock project with an investment of MAD 55.16 million ($5.99 million), designed to directly benefit more than 3,000 farmers in the Marrakech-Safi region.
Key components of the project include the distribution of 4,160 Sardi sheep, the establishment of 21 hydroponic barley production units, and pastoral improvements covering 500 hectares.
In addition, the project provides 25 new watering points for livestock and incorporates training programs and technical support for farmers, ensuring that participants not only receive resources but also gain the knowledge to sustainably manage and grow their livestock operations.
This program is part of Morocco’s ongoing national livestock rebuilding strategy aimed at revitalizing rural economies and securing the country’s food production capacities.
Minister El Bouari launched the first phase of an agroforestry project covering 500 hectares in the commune of Bouchane. The process involves integrating crops with local trees and shrubs in order to create a more diverse and resilient farming system. The project targets utilizing cactus and saltbushes which are well adapted to the local semi-arid conditions.
These plants provide forage for livestock, especially in dry periods, improve soil quality and reduce erosion and support biodiversity and sustainable land use.
With a total budget of MAD 80 million ($8.69 million), this project targets over 1,000 smallholder farmers and forms part of a regional program encompassing 15 complementary projects with a combined budget exceeding MAD 160 million ($17.38 million), benefiting more than 10,150 livestock farmers across the province.
The minister also distributed, during the visit, agricultural equipment, livestock, and cattle to several cooperatives, aiming at providing support for cooperatives, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainability of rural agriculture.
The project showcased Morocco’s strategic focus on rebuilding the livestock and agriculture sectors, especially after rainfall recovery. The initiative also emphasised farmer training as integrated solutions to boost rural economies, ensure food security, and strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector.
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