The Moroccan Experience to mainstreaming Conservation Agriculture (CA) shines in the 9th World Congress (9WCCA) in Sourh Africa..
#Adil EL ARABI
Participants at the international conference on conservation agriculture, held in South Africa, called for intensified and collaborative efforts in the establishment of conservation agriculture and sustainable agricultural mechanization programs. The conference was attended by a distinguished group of agricultural experts and researchers who emphasized the need to adopt these practices to achieve sustainable agriculture in Africa.
*Leveraging the Moroccan Experience..
During the event, Dr. Rachid Moussadek an international agricultural expert and researcher at the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) in Morocco and ICARDA, delivered a speech highlighting the success of Morocco’s conservation agriculture experience. He explained that the Green Generation strategy paved the way for this type of agriculture, demonstrating the success of conservation agriculture initiatives and creating a framework to expand efforts. He confirmed that Morocco aims to implement conservation agriculture, particularly by adopting one million hectares by 2030, a bold target that reflects Morocco’s commitment to sustainable agriculture.
*Expanding Innovations to Broaden the Scope of Conservation Agriculture…
In his intervention, Dr. Moussadek emphasized the importance of adapting conservation agriculture practices to local conditions, including soil types, climate variations, and cropping systems, to ensure practical and effective implementation. He also highlighted the necessity for continuous research and development to innovate and refine conservation agriculture techniques, supported by institutions such as INRA and ICARDA, to integrate the latest advancements.
*Bridging the Research Gap..
Dr. Moussadek also discussed the enhancement of partnerships among researchers, farmers, policymakers, and international organizations to facilitate knowledge transfer and practical application. He called for strengthened training programs and workshops for farmers and extension agents to enhance understanding and adoption of conservation agriculture practices, as well as organizing field trials and pilot projects that demonstrate the benefits and techniques of conservation agriculture as live examples for broader implementation.
He underscored the importance of supportive government policies that promote the adoption of conservation agriculture, including subsidies, technical assistance, and financial incentives such as grants and loans for farmers transitioning to conservation agriculture, reducing financial barriers and encouraging sustainable practices.
*Monitoring and Evaluation…
Mr.Moussadek highlighted the need for regular monitoring and evaluation of conservation agriculture projects to assess their effectiveness, scalability, and areas for improvement. He emphasized the importance of using data from field research to inform critical decisions and improve conservation agriculture strategies through digital platforms such as “Z@r3Direct.”
*Enhancing Agricultural Productivity…
The international agricultural expert predicted that conservation agriculture practices would enhance agricultural productivity by improving crop yields and soil fertility. He also noted the environmental benefits of these practices, such as reducing soil erosion, increasing carbon sequestration, and improving water management. Economically, these practices are expected to increase farmers’ incomes and promote rural development.
In the initial sessions of the conference, the “Rabat Call,” endorsed during the third conservation agriculture conference held in Morocco last year, was presented. The “Rabat Call” stressed the importance of African countries benefiting from the Moroccan experience in this field to disseminate conservation agriculture, aiming to mitigate the impact of climate change, improve the living standards of African farmers, and enhance food security in Africa.
*A Fruitful Partnership..
The Moroccan experience in conservation agriculture, overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, is a leading model in sustainable development and smart agriculture. This initiative is part of a fruitful partnership between various public and private institutions, notably INRA, the National Office for Agricultural Advisory (ONCA), the Moroccan Association for Conservation Agriculture, the “Al Moutmir” program, and several national and international partners, including ICARDA.
This initiative aims to promote agricultural practices that conserve soil and reduce the depletion of natural resources, contributing to food security and rural development. Conservation agriculture relies on innovative techniques to improve agricultural productivity while preserving the environment, by reducing the use of water and pesticides, enhancing biodiversity in agricultural areas, leaving residues in fields, maintaining crop rotation, and avoiding tillage to preserve soil fertility.