Government Launches Community-Based Agriculture and Livestock Projects

Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests on Tuesday launched a series of community-based agriculture and livestock projects aimed at strengthening the country’s agricultural and livestock sectors.

Source: moroccoworldnews

One of the initiatives is a solidarity livestock project with an investment of MAD 55.16 million, expected to benefit more than 3,000 farmers in the Marrakech-Safi region. The project includes the distribution of 4,160 Sardi sheep, the establishment of 21 hydroponic barley production units, and pastoral improvements across 500 hectares.

The programme also provides 25 new watering points for livestock, alongside training and technical support for farmers involved in the project.

The initiative forms part of Morocco’s national livestock rebuilding strategy.

During the visit, the minister also launched the first phase of an agroforestry project covering 500 hectares in the commune of Bouchane. The project combines crops with local trees and shrubs, including cactus and saltbush, which are suited to the area’s semi-arid conditions.

The plants are intended to provide livestock feed, improve soil quality, reduce erosion, and support sustainable land use.

With a total budget of MAD 80 million, the agroforestry project targets more than 1,000 smallholder farmers. It is part of a wider regional programme made up of 15 projects with a combined budget of over MAD 160 million, benefiting more than 10,150 livestock farmers across the province.

The minister also distributed agricultural equipment, livestock, and cattle to several cooperatives during the visit.