Conference on the Challenges of Implementing Agroecological Principles Globally: A Look at Morocco’s Experience in Cultivating One Million Hectares with Conservation Agriculture
As part of the Science Week events organized by Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), food security in Africa was the central theme of an outstanding presentation delivered by several experts, including Dr. Rachid Mousadek , a prominent researcher at the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA) and ICARDA, and Professor Ken Giller, former researcher in plant production systems at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. The latter highlighted the role of regenerative agriculture as an agricultural approach that could offer significant opportunities for improving crop production. However, he warned that it might pose a serious threat to the agricultural environment if not adopted based on well-studied scientific principles.
Different Perspectives on Conservation Agricultur…
In this context, experts hold divergent views regarding conservation agriculture. While some argue that it may not be the ideal solution for all agricultural environments, others affirm that it is the most sustainable option to address soil and climate challenges.
For Morocco, the adoption of conservation agriculture has been a strategic choice built upon decades of scientific research, as confirmed by Dr. Rachid Mousadek , agricultural expert and researcher at INRA and ICARDA. He stated:
“We focus on soil and water conservation based on data specific to Moroccan lands. Through the Green Generation Strategy, the Ministry of Agriculture launched the initiative of cultivating one million hectares using conservation agriculture. All stakeholders are working hand in hand to achieve this goal. We cannot simply replicate another experience whose conditions and variables differ from our agricultural reality because our soil has unique characteristics that require solutions tailored to our local environment.”
The One-Million-Hectare Strategy: A Strategic Choice for Sustainable Agricultural Production..
The one-million-hectare conservation agriculture strategy aligns with Morocco’s vision to promote agricultural sustainability by reducing soil tillage, enhancing vegetation cover, and improving water resource management. This strategy represents a major step toward achieving a balance between environmental preservation and ensuring sustainable agricultural production that meets the needs of both present and future generations.
It is worth noting that Morocco’s conservation agriculture experience, presented at the Third African Conservation Agriculture Conference held in Rabat in 2023, received widespread acclaim from participants. It was recognized as a pioneering model in sustainable agricultural development, with recommendations to replicate and extend this experience across various African countries due to its significant potential in enhancing food security and adapting to climate change.
Agriculture Between Adaptation and Sustainability
Given the growing challenges facing the agricultural sector, the future of food security in Africa and Morocco seems closely tied to the ability to adopt flexible and sustainable agricultural solutions that consider soil characteristics, climate variability, and the economic needs of farmers.
The greatest challenge today is not merely food production but ensuring the sustainability of agricultural resources for future generations. This makes scientific research and agricultural innovation the key drivers for addressing the food security dilemma in Africa.
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