Catalyzing Agricultural Cooperatives in Rhamna

Some may assume that after a year of psychosocial empowerment training, the need for such workshops diminishes. However, our experience as facilitators working in a rural part of Morocco tells a different story.

A talk by Yossef Ben-Meir, President of the High Atlas Foundation in Morocco, at the Integrated Management of Cultural Tourism Conference on 11 June 2024 hosted by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiques and the United States Agency for International Development.

In the aftermath of a devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Morocco, the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) has taken proactive measures to address psychological challenges.

We are grateful for our partners, Reforest, and our shared commitment to planting 500,000 trees together in Morocco.

In Khatt Azakane Commune, Safi, a partnership with Berge Bulk allowed us to plant 40 hectares of argan and caper trees, increasing agicultural income, ecosystem stability, and livelihood support.

In the rugged landscape of Boukidar, a union of women is transforming dairy farming through innovation and determination.

After investment by local and global partners, Taslit Nourtane is a thriving cooperative with steady income, plans for expansion, and a commitment to empowering their community to do the same.

A collaboration between the US-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and the High Atlas Foundation resulted in 150 people trained in project design, proposals, and implementation.

As she spent time reflecting on her personal goals during the IMAGINE workshop, Siham experienced a profound shift in her perspective.

After discussing responsible finance in an IMAGINE workshop, the president of a women’s cooperative in Al Hoceima re-evaluates her approach to money management.

Tree planting had never been an option for nomadic families living in the arid climate of Dakhla. In May of 2023, we planted fig and pomegranate trees with this community for the first time.

The women of Merdhal Amane village participated in literacy and numeracy classes, started a local business, and sought skills training to successfully launch and manage a new couscous and cereal cooperative.

In Rhamna, an initiative to protect groundwater through sustainable irrigation practices leads to construction of a community nursery, new tree planting projects, and support for local schools.

After participating in entrepreneurial training, a recent biology grad launches a cooperative of her own.

The women of Akrich are committed to excellence in their traditional carpet-weaving practice, but their cooperative has empowered them to pursue new skills, too.

A partnership with Siemens Gamesa leads to four successful water projects for the Boujdour region, providing essential water for livestock in nomadic communities.

Ahl Rhoufrane cooperative successfully entered the dairy market with high-quality goat milk products after a series of training workshops. Their president went on to lead workshops for others in his community, and 15 new agriculture cooperatives were established as a result.

Through capacity building and strategy, the Aboghlou Cooperative overcame market challenges and organizational weakness to become an internationally renowned producer of agricultural products.

In the mountains of Morocco, water is life. Timichi village built a solution for water insecurity, allowing them to consistently irrigate crops throughout the year.