Morocco Hosts Sustainability Days to Build a More Resilient Agriculture

To mark World Soil Day, celebrated every December 5, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and Morocco’s National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), is organizing the Sustainability Days under the theme:
“Towards Sustainable Soil and Water Management for Greater Resilience of Agricultural Systems in Morocco.”

This major initiative, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, and supported by a broad network of national public and private stakeholders (ADA, ANDZOA, ONCA, IAV H II, ENAM, ENFI, UM6P/Al Moutmir, APNI, Tourba, AMSSOL, AIGR, AMAC, etc.), aims to raise awareness on the vital importance of soil and water management in the face of climate change, while promoting sustainable food systems aligned with Morocco’s Generation Green Strategy.

Promoting Sustainable Farming Practices Through Dialogue and Innovation

Over the course of two days, experts, researchers, policy-makers, NGOs, and students will gather to exchange insights and explore innovative agricultural practices that support sustainable development and food security.

The first day will focus on sustainable agriculture solutions, including the development of a National Soil Charter and the promotion of:

• Conservation agriculture and no-till farming,
• Efficient irrigation techniques,
• Smart fertilization strategies.

Discussions will emphasize the need to improve soil and water management practices to help stabilize crop yields and improve climate resilience across Morocco’s farming systems.

Field-Based Learning and World Soil Day Celebration

The second day, held at the Hassan II Agronomy and Veterinary Institute (IAV Hassan II), will feature a thematic school with hands-on technical workshops on regenerative agriculture, no-till systems, and soil biodiversity.

The event will conclude with the official celebration of World Soil Day on December 5, 2024, at the INRA-ICARDA research station in Marchouch. Participants will visit direct seeding platforms and agroecological research trials, highlighting the crucial role of healthy soils in food security, environmental sustainability, and ecosystem resilience.