IYWF: Beneath the water source, a woman reviving the land

As the world marks the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF), FAO is highlighting the critical—yet often undervalued—role women farmers play in sustaining food security, rural livelihoods, and resilient agrifood systems. When structural barriers to land, resources, and markets are addressed, women farmers emerge not only as producers, but as leaders and agents of change. 

In the douar of Aghbalou, at the heart of the Ourika Valley in Morocco, water flows down from the mountains, nourishing farmland that has sustained generations. In Amazigh, Aghbalou means “the water source.” It is here that Zakia Majdouli returned after years of professional life away from her village, determined to transform the lives of women in her community through agriculture. 

The roots of a land, the roots of a woman 

Zakia was born in Marrakech in 1970 into an Amazigh family with deep roots in its land. After her parents’ divorce in 1975, her mother moved with Zakia and her younger brother to Aghbalou, to live with their maternal grandparents, who were respected farmers in the region from an early age, Zakia observed, helped, and learned. She is accompanying her grandmother to the fields, the market, and understand the rhythm of the seasons. Unknown to her then, these experiences laid the foundation for her future commitment.  

There, she formed a bond with the land that would never fade. 

Twenty-two kilometers by bicycle, and unwavering determination 

After acquiring her degree in organic chemistry in 1998, she then entered the fishmeal industry, the only woman in the entire factory, working night shifts and sometimes up to 48 consecutive hours during ship loading operations. She was a great success as she rose through the ranks, becoming Quality Manager and later Quality & Sales Manager at the international level. Her work took her to France, Germany, India, Thailand, and across West Africa. 

However, for Zakia, something was missing. 

Returning to the source 

In 2017, Zakia made a decisive choice: she returned to her native village. What she found was a territory in transition. Agricultural land was gradually disappearing, while many women lacked stable economic activity despite their skills and experience. 

On October 30, 2017, she founded the agricultural cooperative DouTmaquite Aghbalou. In Amazigh, Dou means "beneath," Tmaquite "the drop" and Aghbalou "the water source": beneath the drop of spring water. A vision in itself. The cooperative brings together women from diverse backgrounds — university graduates, high school graduates, and women who never had the chance to attend school — united around the valorization of local products through drying, distillation, and maceration processes. 

Production began in 2018 but halted for nearly two years due to COVID-19 and later disrupted by the Al Haouz earthquake struck in 2023.  

The project that changed everything 

Paradoxically, this catastrophe marked a turning point. As part of its post-earthquake recovery programme, FAO, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and FISA, launched a pilot poultry support project targeting women’s cooperatives in affected areas. DouTmaquite was selected. 

Through comprehensive support - training in poultry farming, veterinary follow-up, provision of laying hens, equipment, and feed supplements- the women discovered a demanding and hands-on profession. They learned, practiced directly, and improved week after week. 

“This is the project of our lives. A project we had never imagined, not even in our dreams.” 

During the Dawajine 2025 Exhibition, the cooperative was recognized for its commitment. On behalf of the beneficiary cooperatives, Zakia signed the agreement for the construction of poultry houses, the next step in a project designed to grow over time. 

Beyond egg production, the initiative reshaped social dynamics. Women gained technical skills, participated in economic decision-making, and became references within their community. Perceptions of women farmers began to evolve, supported by tangible examples of collective success. 

Keeping the source alive 

Today, Zakia is already envisioning what comes next. Egg incubation and chick rearing are part of the plan, completing the production cycle from laying hen to chick and reducing dependence on external suppliers. Baking activities using eggs and cooperative products will open new market opportunities. Beyond that, a tourism initiative is taking shape: hiking trails, waterfalls, local cuisine, and ecotourism experiences highlighting the beauty of the Ourika Valley, led by the women who know it best. 

Zakia Majdouli’s story demonstrates a core message of the IYWF, 2026; when women farmers have access to resources, skills, and decision‑making space, they strengthen resilient and inclusive agrifood systems. The IYWF calls for collective action by governments, UN entities, and partners to translate recognition into sustained investment and gender‑responsive policies.