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Agadir – The National Agency for the Development of Oasis and Argan Zones (ANDZOA) has launched a series of development projects in the oases of Errachidia Province, aiming to strengthen climate resilience, support local economic development, and improve living conditions for residents.
ANDZOA projects officially launched the projects on July 14, as part of the Sustainable Management of Oasis Ecosystems in Morocco Project (PROGEDOM), which is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests in partnership with the World Bank.
The agency described the initiatives as part of its broader vision to build more climate-resilient oases while promoting investment, creating jobs, and protecting natural resources.
The Head of the Aoufous Administrative District and the Director of Oasis Development at ANDZOA attended the launch ceremony alongside the agency’s provincial delegate, representatives of government institutions and partner organizations, elected officials, and representatives of beneficiary cooperatives and associations.
Infrastructure supports youth, social inclusion, and community services
Officials visited five project sites to review initiatives combining environmental protection, economic development, and improved social services.
Among the newly launched projects are two artificial-turf neighborhood football pitches in Zrigat and central Aoufous. The facilities, built with an investment exceeding MAD 1.75 million ($187,734), aim to provide modern sports infrastructure for children and young people, encourage social inclusion, identify athletic talent, and improve the attractiveness of oasis communities.
ANDZOA also inaugurated a palm waste collection and management facility in the Zrigat oasis to reduce the risk of oasis fires, improve the management of agricultural waste, and create employment opportunities for local youth.
The agency additionally opened a palm waste valorization unit for the Al Bour Cooperative, enabling the transformation of palm waste into value-added products while creating new income opportunities for women and young people through green and circular economy practices.
The two projects form part of a wider program that includes the establishment of 13 community facilities and the equipment of 16 cooperatives and associations, with a total investment exceeding MAD 5 million ($536,385).
To diversify the local economy, ANDZOA launched the “Ziz Vélo – Aoufous Oases” initiative, describing it as the first bicycle-based ecotourism project of its kind in the Draa-Tafilalet region.
The project seeks to promote the oases’ natural and cultural heritage, expand sustainable tourism offerings, develop environmentally friendly cycling routes, and train local guides.
As part of efforts to support sports and human development, the agency also provided a minibus to the Aoufous Sports Club to facilitate transportation for athletes and technical staff and encourage greater participation in sporting activities in rural areas.
Advancing integrated oasis development model
ANDZOA said PROGEDOM extends beyond infrastructure development by promoting an integrated development model that combines environmental sustainability, economic opportunities, and social development.
The agency added that the project continues to implement additional initiatives worth more than MAD 25 million ($2.68 million), including the modernization of irrigation systems, deployment of water resource management technologies, construction of communal wells and water storage reservoirs, development of a model marketplace in Aoufous for dates and local products, and programs supporting youth entrepreneurship and the economic empowerment of women in oasis communities.
The projects also reflect ANDZOA’s commitment to implementing integrated development programs based on sustainability, innovation, and efficiency while strengthening the resilience of Morocco’s oases and preserving their environmental and cultural heritage.
