Morocco’s Commitment to Resilient Agriculture: Building a Sustainable Future for Food Security
Morocco is doubling down on its commitment to building a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector, crucial for ensuring food security in the face of climate change and growing global demand. Speaking at the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) summit in Kampala, Uganda, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, Mohammed Sadiki, emphasized Morocco’s dedication to accelerating investments in the resilience of its food systems, particularly in agriculture. This commitment aligns with the broader vision of the CAADP, which aims to eliminate hunger and reduce poverty across the African continent by boosting agricultural productivity.
Sadiki highlighted Morocco’s “Green Generation 2020-2030” strategy, a successor to the “Green Morocco Plan (2008-2020),” as a key driver of this agricultural transformation. This ambitious strategy builds upon the successes of the previous plan, incorporating lessons learned and adapting to the evolving challenges and opportunities in the agricultural landscape. It aims to modernize farming practices, empower smallholder farmers, and promote sustainable resource management, all while contributing to the broader goals of sustainable agricultural development in Africa. This echoes the CAADP’s focus on promoting inclusive agricultural growth and transforming agriculture into a business that attracts youth.
The Green Generation 2020-30 strategy focuses on two main pillars: improving smallholder farmer incomes and developing resilient and sustainable agriculture. This approach recognizes the vital role of smallholder farmers in Morocco’s agricultural sector and the need to equip them with the tools and resources to thrive in a changing climate. The strategy emphasizes investments in areas such as irrigation infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture techniques, and access to markets and finance. These investments are crucial for enhancing productivity, reducing vulnerability to climate shocks, and improving the livelihoods of rural communities. For example, the strategy aims to consolidate 700,000 hectares of irrigated land and convert 50,000 hectares to localized irrigation, significantly improving water use efficiency and resilience to drought. Furthermore, the strategy aims to create 350,000 new jobs in the agricultural sector, highlighting its potential for economic growth and poverty reduction.
Morocco’s commitment to sustainable agriculture is not just a national priority; it’s a contribution to regional and global food security. As climate change intensifies and the global population continues to grow, building resilient and sustainable food systems is more critical than ever. Morocco’s experience and investments in this area can serve as a valuable model for other countries in the region and beyond. The country’s focus on empowering smallholder farmers, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and investing in research and development is essential for creating a more sustainable and equitable food future. By sharing its knowledge and best practices, Morocco can play a leading role in driving agricultural transformation across Africa and contributing to the global effort to achieve food security for all. Organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) provide resources and support for countries working towards sustainable agriculture, offering valuable insights and collaboration opportunities. [Link to relevant FAO resource on sustainable agriculture].
This renewed focus on resilient agriculture underscores Morocco’s understanding of the interconnectedness of food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability. By investing in its agricultural sector, Morocco is not only building a more prosperous future for its own people but also contributing to a more food-secure and sustainable world.
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