ICARDA in Collaboration with INRA Organized à Research Workshop to Prioritize the Climate Adaptation strategies to enhance the agricultural Sustainability in Morocco
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On June 13, 2024, in Rabat, ICARDA and the CGIAR Excellence in Agronomy (EiA) project organized a second stakeholder event to discuss the urgent issues that smallholder farmers in the Global South are facing, especially those pertaining to climate change and market volatility. Prioritizing national adaptation strategies in rainfed agriculture was the main topic of discussion, with an emphasis on Morocco’s wheat-based production systems in Central Morocco. The agricultural sector in Morocc serves as an example of how climate stress affects food production in drylands. The critical agricultural sector is being greatly impacted by the nation’s increasing heat stress and crop water demand, rising groundwater and soil degradation prolonged extreme events, notable changes in crop life cycles, and shifting planting seasons. This industry provides jobs for 40% of Morocco’s workforce and generates around 13th % of the country’s GDP. However, it is highly susceptible to climate impacts, particularly water scarcity, as agriculture sector is under drought conditions.since last 3 years.
The workshop promoted cooperation between research institutes, universities, government and private agencies, and farmers associations. These parties worked together to prioritize climate adaption strategies suited to morocco’s wheat-based agricultural system. Adoption of crop varieties adaptable to shifting climate conditions, integrated agronomy bundles solutions (e.g: Conservation Agriculture, supplement irrigation, Integrated fertility and pest management, etc) that optimize yield while limiting resource inputs, improved water efficiency and enhance soil health at the farm level were important strategies but neeed to be customised based on the local conditions.
Dr. Rachid ‘Moussadek’, a senior researcher at ICARDA/INRA, stated in a press interview with “Al-Mouhit Al-Filahi” magazine that the (EiA-CWANA) project came in cooperation with local partners (INRA, ADA, Almoutmir, MAPMDREF, AMAC, IAV, ONCA) and international partners of ICARDA. This reflects the organization’s commitment to supporting and developing local capacities and enhancing international cooperation in the field of agricultural research and development.
Mr. Moussadek added that these “joint efforts aim to achieve long-term sustainability of agricultural production in Morocco, ensure food security, and improve the livelihoods of farmers. Additionally, they aim to raise awareness about the importance of rational fertilization, preserving groundwater, and improving soil health through direct seeding and agroforestry.”
Dr. Vinay Nangia. Lead of water and soil team at ICARDA mentioned that ” through these initiatives, ICARDA seeks to provide practical and effective solutions to address environmental challenges and enhance the ability to adapt to changing climatic conditions. This project, according to the agricultural researcher, represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable development in Morocco’s agricultural sector and ensuring the continuity of agricultural production in the face of climate change.”
#almouhitalfilahi: Adil EL ARABI