IFAD-supported innovations enhance agricultural productivity in Morocco
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nterventions on local production systems in Morocco, realized through IFAD co-financed projects, have contributed to increased agricultural productivity, sustainable management of natural resources and greater resilience to climate change. These and other issues were presented on 3 February 2021, as Moroccan senior policy makers, representatives of IFAD’s Near East, North Africa and Europe Division (NEN) Division and the Independent Office of Evaluation (IOE) met to discuss the findings of the country strategy and programme evaluation (CSPE), carried out in 2020.
resources, and to improving resilience to climate change.
“Many innovations have been promoted, often already tested in other contexts and introduced in areas intervention. They have helped to remove constraints in terms of productivity, resilience of ecosystems, empowerment of women and employment of youth”, stated H.E. Mohamed Sadiki, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests of the government of Morocco (MAPMDREF), in his opening remarks.
Co-organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests of the government of Morocco (MAPMDREF) and IFAD’s IOE, in collaboration with IFAD’s NEN Division, the on-line virtual workshop brought together representatives of public sector institutions and national stakeholders, multilateral and bilateral partners, and selected private sector organizations. Over 100 people attended the virtual event.
Key to the achievements of IFAD’s co-financed projects in Morocco has been the improvement of rangelands management combined with efforts aimed at strengthening crop and livestock production systems. These interventions have contributed to improving agricultural productivity, to promoting sustainable management of natural
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“IFAD’s investments have contributed to modernised production systems. They have promoted soil and water conservation; increased the access of small-scale producers to irrigation; and helped farmers to increase their productivity – of olives, apples honey and meat – by as much as 50% in some cases” stated Mr. Donald Brown, Associate Vice-President, Programme Management Department, IFAD.
During the event, meeting participants addressed the main findings, recommendations and issues emerging from the CSPE. Discussions centred on how to promote local products, including by supporting their continued access to markets in order to ensure sustainability of agricultural production systems. In this context, participants also focused on the numerous technical and institutional inno-
