Dr. Rachid Moussadek: A Pioneer of Innovation and Sustainability in Moroccan Agriculture.
Dr. Rachid Moussadek is one of the most soil scientists in agricultural research in Morocco and Africa. Thanks to his research findings and practical contributions to propose adapted sustainable soil and agricultural solutions to enhance food security and soil health in Morocco and in drylands, Dr Moussadek is regarded as a model of excellence and proficiency in agricultural research to face climate change in Africa and MENA region.
# Academic Journey..
Dr. Moussadek is an international expert in sustainable agriculture and its relationship to face climate change and land degradation. He holds a Master’s degree in Soil Science from IAV Hassan II Rabat, a Master’s degree in Agro-climatology from the University of Liege in Belgium and a PhD on Sustainable Agricultural management from Ghent University in Belgium, He served as the head of the Environment and Natural Resources Department at the National Institute of Agronomic Research and He coordinates several research program on sustainable agriculture at INRA and at ICARDA ( International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas) also He coordinated several international programs related to climate smart practices and regenertive agricultural in partnership with CGIAR and other partners . With over 25 years of research experience, he has numerous scientific publications focusing on soil and water resource management and agriculture in arid regions.
#Contributions to Agricultural Research…
Dr. Moussadek is an expert in various fields such as crop improvement, sustainable water management, soil erosion and desertification, conservation agriculture, etc. He has worked on several research projects in collaboration with international and local organizations. His research has focused on improving crop productivity, soil heath and developing innovative agricultural techniques to address the challenges of climate change and land degradation. He has contributed to publications on the impact of climate changes on agriculture, including the “Atlas Agro-climatic of Morocco,” Land suitablity and Soil fertility mapping in Morocco and beyond. He has overseen the creation of the first bio-environmental geographic information system for Moroccan oases.He is promoting the use of digital landscape mapping and soil organic carbon sequestration using models and Artificial intelligence to enhance the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices to face the climate stress. He served as focal point for several international programs (Global Soil Partnership, Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems, etc).
# Local and Global Impact
Dr. Moussadek’s influence extends beyond Morocco to the regional and international levels. His participation in global conferences and membership in international scientific and advisory committees make him a significant voice in shaping sustainable agricultural policies. Thanks to his efforts, he was elected as the chair of the Global Soil Partnership for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in the MENA region. He is leading an INRA ICARDA EiA initiative to faster the adoption of conservation agriculture in 1 Million Ha in Morocco by 2030 Under Green Generation Strategy. He has received numerous awards and recognitions from esteemed scientific institutions.He served as contributing author in the last IPCC report and he is serving as chair of Africain Fertilizer and Agro-chemical Working Group in ARSO organisation.
# Future Vision
Dr. Rachid Moussadek believes that scientific research is the key to achieving sustainable agriculture and promoting soil resilient practices in drylands. He is committed to transferring knowledge and expertise to the new generation of researchers, extension services, farmers and other public and private actors ensuring continued excellence and innovation in this Agricultural sector.
Dr. Rachid Moussadek is a living example of Moroccan competence in scientific research. Through his contributions, he enhances Morocco’s standing on the international scientific map and works towards a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future for the region and the world. Dr. Moussadek serves as an inspiration for young researchers aspiring to make their mark in agricultural sciences and sustainable farming systems under climate change context.
*almouhitalfilahi: adil el arabi