An Overview Of Our Solution
The province of Taounate contains virtually all plant species existing in Morocco, and occupies an important place in biodiversity.
However, these resources are threatened by degradation due to their fragile natural balance and the pressure of a growing population little sensitized to environmental protection.
'ELWAHDA'dam founded in 1997 Caused the shrinking fertile agricultural land which was the basis of Rural exodus and Cannabis culture.
In recent years, there is a loss at all levels and the situation is alarming in our region:
• Loss of seeds and biodiversity
• Strong soil erosion and deforestation
• Climatic change and Change of agricultural schedules with a growing lack of water
• Introduction of cannabis.
So we developed our family farm as a successful example of biodiversity safeguarding
Who is this solution impacting?
Community Type
Rural
Additional Information
- Population Impacted:
- Continent: Africa
General Information
Organization type
Other
Ecosystem (select all that apply)
Freshwater
Population impacted
6 small village of 300 people on average, ie 1800
Challenge
Size of agricultural area
20 ha in Mountainous site
Production quantity
15 T Olives, 2T Chickpea, 100 kg Origanum, 300Kg honey….
People employed
6 Directly 250 people and indirectly
Solution
Describe your solution
Agroecology represents a real solution for safeguarding biodiversity
They have been able to realize that thanks to the agroecology it is possible to produce enough and respecting the environment.
With the agrécologique solution we aim to ensure that farmers and farmers:
• Sensitization on the good association of cultures like the example of the beans with the coriander or the rotation of the cultures. To avoid having the Orobanche for example it is better not to put the beans in the same plot 4 years in succession.
• Need less water for planting (rainwater retention technique see photos).
• Retain soil and prevent erosion (ie richer soils, no longer use chemicals and fertilizers)
• Especially to preserve local seeds, including the small spelled which is now grown by many farmers and farmers. 10Ha of crop this year.
• To plant different varieties of trees and aromatic and medicinal plants. Every year, at least 1000 trees and shrubs are planted in the family farm and in farmers who are aware of agro-ecology. Thus reduction of greenhouse gases.
• Manufacture of our compost and therefore no use of chemicals
• To multiply the Origanum Compactum which is an endemic plant of the region and which is disappearing.
• Establishing live hedges for bees and the richness of animal biodiversity in vegetable gardens
• Diversify vegetables for healthy eating
• In farm there is a room dedicated to the house of seed.
Implementation
Describe your implementation
I was trained in agroecology in 2010 with the association terre et humanisme maroc to become an animator in agroecology
We introduced agroecology to the family farm and we saved the local seeds and we are developing the small spelled and the Origanum Compactum which are disappearing from the region. Our family farm serves as a pilot farm and farmers and peasants are encouraged to see the success of agroecological techniques, especially the use of olive by-products.
We popularized Agroecologie in our entourage and some neighbouring douars have adopted, among otherthechnique domestic composting.
We had to convince the farmers to do the same thing. In order to do this, it was necessary to see a successful model which is the family farm and I immediately thought that the creation of cooperative will greatly help convince farmers to safeguard the biodiversity of our region because it becomes an income generating activity. Especially with origanum compactum or beekeepers have multiplied this seed because beneficial for bees.
Our family farm is a demonstration site to show the example of biodiversity safeguarding and we create income-generating activities within a cooperative.
• I am a founding member of the agricultural cooperative Ariaf Kissane (sis CR Kissane Douar Leazaf), whose main activity is the valorization of olive oil. This cooperative produces an extra virgin olive oil since 2010 and has been certified organic since 2013. This cooperative of 23 people has 35% women
• I helped create the:
- The Apiary Al Maraie Al Jabalia cooperative (CR Kissane Douar Kallaline) to be created in 2013. It is a cooperative of 7 young beekeepers and beekeepers between 20 and 35 years old
- The Bni Ouriaguel cooperative (CR Kissane Douar Bni Amar) to set up in 2014. This cooperative is interested in protecting the environment and building women's capacities through encouraging production and promotion initiatives Of local seeds.
External connections
We have local partners to develop the local products of the region (agricultural cooperative ariaf kissane, cooperative bni ouriaguel and a cooperative of beekeepers al Marai Al Jabalia) and also al yanboua association to develop rural tourism. This association works on the environment and ecological rural tourism.
The population must find economic interest so that there is sustainability in safeguarding biodiversity. Each year the
The High Commissioner for Water and Forests and the Fight against Desertification of Morocco provide us with plans of carob tree ... etc;
The association Terre et Humanisme Maroc is our partner to promote agroecology in our region.
Results
What is the environmental or ecological challenge you are targeting with your solution?
The soils of the Province of Taounate are experiencing serious degradation which is among the highest in Morocco (2000-5000 tons / km / year in areas with high risk of degradation) due to heavy rainfall, the fragile nature of soils and to steep slopes.
Likewise, the forest loss is dramatic (up to 2% per year), resulting in the disappearance of entire forest stands and biodiversity.
Based on this environmental observation and to safeguard our environmental ecosystem, we make every effort (at our small scale) so that agro ecology can be adopted by farmers that we interact with as a line of agricultural conduct. We encourage others will do the same. It is the only way to save our resources.
The family farm has been evolved as a demonstration pilot site or is being practiced in agroecology. The family farm is part of a global approach to the needs of the territory of our rural commune, allowing a balance between natural and human ecosystems.
Describe the context in which you are operating
Family farm in agroecology. With protection of biodiversity, soils and maintenance of producers on their territory in the rural commune kissane, mountain region in the Pre-rif
The rural commune Kissane-Pre rif of Morocco has had 50% of rural exodus since the establishment of the second biggest dam of Africa and the grounds of this commune is to 90% on the reservoir of the dam. From this dam there were:
• Reduction of fertile agricultural areas from which and fragmentation of agricultural land
• Rural exodus
• Introduction of cannabis and use of chemical fertilizers for culture
• Impoverishment of biodiversity in the community with the cultivation of cannabis
• Erosion and landslides
The pre rif is also affected by climate change that has become palpable by farmers
• Water cycle dysfunction:Torrential rains and drought which is spread out from May to October. The region is known to be a growing loss of soils mainly due to the degradation of forests and vegetation cover by humans and also by water erosion. With climate change, there is increasing evidence of swinging and restricted rains over time. All this accentuates the phenomenon of erosion and therefore a confrontation with a reduction in the productive value of agricultural land.
How did you impact natural resource use and greenhouse gas emissions?
We increase the biodiversity by the multiplication of the aromatic plants and medicinal plants and macerates in borders and intercrops between the trees. Also, by crafting favorable environments for the insects especially the bees. By planting each year diversify trees this has created ecosystems very favorable for animal and vegetal biodiversity. We are not satisfied with the family farm but also with the dissemination of these methods to the men and women of our commune especially young people who have trained in beekeeping and have become beekeepers. Afterwards, it was easy to convince them to multiply the Origanum Compactum and also the carob tree which is a tree very beneficial for the bees.
Every year there is also an increase in animal biodiversity (insects, birds, etc.) and also an increase in yields. We do not even buy biological inputs.
Language(s)
Arabic
Water
Irregularity of water cycle(lots of water in winter and lack of water in summer) In the family farm, trenches of rainwater retention were dug. This implies that there is no shortage of water in summer. The passage of the gray waters of the farm in a planted filter. Feeding a pond. This water is used for chickens, bees, etc. Agroecological techniques for better water retention in plots. • Mulching technique • Composte which retains 10 times more water
Food Security/Nutrition
The multiplication of seeds allows the farmers an autonomy in the production of their vegetable garden. Chemical-free production allows farmers to have healthier products. The family farm is self-sufficient in terms of food for cereals, pulses and most fruits and vegetables Farmers have a more diversified and richer diet with honey and different vegetables and plants production We have a balance that has settled on the farm and we have no dominance of any particular insect. So there
Economic/Sustainable Development
Agroecology meets a real need for economic and social empowerment of farmers. Women see agroecology as an opportunity to sustainably and healthyly feed their families and then see it as an opportunity to develop an income-generating activity. A biological certificate since 2013. Certification of our products in organic so more interesting sale of products to the farmers. Extra virgin olive oil is sold at 30% more expensive. The multiplication of small spelled which had practically disappea
Climate
Every year, at least 1000 to 2000 trees and shrubs are planted in the family farm and in the members and members of the 3 cooperatives we have created in our commune kissane. This acts at the level of soil retention and also it There is a contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gases. The price gain will allow me to invest in energy solutions that respect the environment
Sustainability
Agroecology, sustainable, human-scale agriculture that takes human and environmental needs into account, is a UN-recognized solution adapted to the problems of the rural Moroccan world and especially to the needs of rural women:
- Agroecology is economically viable
- Agroecology is socially responsible
- Agroecology is ecologically sustainable
Agroecology allows farmers to save money because it allows them to use less water, make their own compost and also use our own bioprocesses from plants if necessary. What is certain is that we are not endured.
When we have more money we buy more material and we can do more training.
Return on investment
On the family farm, this is a life project. The farm allows 6 families to live there.
For cooperatives: The Olive Oil cooperative was able to build its local, it wants to buy another machine of trituration of the olives as soon as it is done, it will be able to be able to generate money for a distribution of the dividends with the members. For the other 2 cooperatives. They are young but they will market their products from this summer.
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Replication and Scale
How could we successfully replicate this solution elsewhere?
To establish a site in agroecology to ensure the feeding and saving of biodiversity would require conviction. Therefore, training in agroecological techniques is essential. Then the investment will depend on the site (what is in this site, number of hectare, the availability of water, is it sloping or not, middle arid, wet ... etc.) In agrécologie it is necessary to adapt according to the site. Example in our mountainous olive-growing site we will make compost from the by-products of the olive tree. In the oases we will instead use the by-products of the palm tree.