Focus on Innovative and Sustainable Solutions for a More Resilient Moroccan Agriculture in Salé-Rabat, Morocco
Alalam24, A panel of a researchers, agronomists and institutional leaders gathered in Salé on Tuesday to address issues related to the climate vulnerability of Moroccan agriculture and explore innovative and sustainable solutions to enhance resilience and, consequently, food security
During a workshop on “Prioritizing Climate Change Adaptation Measures in the Moroccan Agricultural Context,” participants emphasized the importance of promoting innovative and sustainable agricultural solutions.
These solutions can assist policymakers in developing climate change adaptation strategies to enhance the resilience of rainfed cropping systems
In this context, the focus was on the significance of developing effective responses to climate change with agriculture tailored to the local context. Stakeholders are called upon to collaborate in utilizing collective expertise to meet climate challenges and develop innovative agronomic solutions
The severe impacts of climate change on agriculture, particularly the cereal sector, require swift and coordinated actions to support sustainable development.
The participants stressed the need for adaptation solutions that are context-specific, addressing partner demands while adhering to sustainable intensification criteria
In this regard, a decision support tool for climate change adaptation, developed by the CGIAR (Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research), was presented during this consultation workshop organized by the “Excellence in Agronomy in the Central and West Asia and North Africa Region” (EiA-CWANA) initiative in partnership with the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA)
According to Ms. Oumayma Ben Halima, a soil science researcher at INRA (National Institute of Agronomic Research), this model for decision support tool will help guide subsidy strategies at the national, regional, and local levels
Dr. Rachid Moussadek, a senior scientist at ICARDA and INRA Morocco, explained that this tool will facilitate data collection that can be analyzed and utilized by various partners to develop climate change adaptation options, particularly in the Moroccan cereal sector
Dr. Vinay Nangia, Chief of Soil, Water, and Agronomy Research at ICARDA , noted that the workshop aims to engage in a comprehensive discussion on making agriculture climate-smart
“We are trying to bring together different voices looking for stability for the youth, higher incomes, job creation from different perspectives, and ultimately, establish a priority list for what is best for Morocco to have a climate-smart agriculture,” he said
He added that through this initiative, opportunities can be created to collaborate with Moroccan institutions to guide investments in line with the Green Generation while ensuring return on investment, satisfaction of Moroccans, and food and water security
This consultation workshop serves as a space for debate to identify feasible solutions that strengthen resilience, improve livelihoods, and enhance food security
