Objectives: Morocco, like most of North Africa, is highly vulnerable to climate change, as shown in climatic models developed for the region. Since 2008, Morocco is implementing a national agricultural program (Plan Maroc Vert) that aims at supporting and upgrading smallholder agriculture as well as encouraging bigger scale private investment while considering new variables-among which is climate change.  The program is expanding its scope to small scale producers in marginal areas that are also more vulnerable to climate change. 

FAO  is currently undertaking a pilot project within Tadla-Azilal region that addresses concerns of climate change in combination with improving resilience and livelihood of small scale and marginal farmers. The project region (Tadla-Azilal) combines high agricultural potential with medium to high level of sensitivity to climate change (and water shortage). 

Expected outputs & outcomes:

(i) Develop an integrated multi-disciplinary methodology for climate-smart adaptation strategy including technical/scientific, economic and socio-institutional dimensions;

(ii) Test pilot an approach to generate and implement sustainable development projects for small scale producers in line with best climate-smart practices;

(iii) Develop tools and training materials for climate change adaptation appraisal and program and investment planning at national and local levels;

(iv) Assist policy makers in mainstreaming climate change adaptation into Plan Maroc Vert in line with environmental sustainability, climate-smart and resilient agriculture; and

(v) Strengthen national capacity in analysis and planning for climate change and resilient agriculture.

National Partners: The Agriculture Development Agency, the lead organization in the implementation of the national agricultural investment program “Plan Maroc Vert”, has been defined as the focal point of the project, and a team of consultants coming from different research institutions (INRA and IAV) collaborates on the research aspects.

Target beneficiaries: Small holders in the Tadla-Azilal region; national/ local staff and government officials, including field officers and extension agents; government officials (policy makers and implementers); national researchers and experts; and private sector agriculturalists and investors.

For more information, please consult the project brief.