Prior to my arrival in Morocco on January 30, I had spoken with Aziz Taouri, the president of the Bio-Agri Atlas Farming Cooperative of Oulad Mbark. We discussed the drought that Morocco has been experiencing and the negative effects it has had on the farmers in the cooperative and region. He expressed the cooperative’s need to learn more about climate change, how it affects food systems, and agricultural practices they can put into action to retain soil moisture and manage water more effectively. I came with practical farming field experience methods of reducing soil erosion and protecting and building the microbial ecosystem in the soil.

I spent many hours researching climate change in Morocco in the past, present, and future, and reading research that has been conducted as to its effects on the environment and its people. I researched innovations and technologies for adapting to climate change in Morocco and the MENA region. I also spent time coordinating with universities and agricultural extension programs from arid regions of the USA, specifically the University of Arizona Department of Environmental Science and the University of California Davis Agriculture Extension program.

I spoke with Dr. Joseph Blakenship, professor of soil ecology and soil health, from UofA about his research into soil microbial effects of climate change in Arizona and how we might perform field tests in Morocco to evaluate microbial populations. He provided valuable insight into the most important information to know when looking at living soil in arid environments as well as a donation of quick soil test kits that he believed would be valuable to the farmers of Ouled Mbarak.

I also corresponded with the University of California Davis Agricultural Extension offices about their climate-smart agriculture (CSA) programs, research, and most importantly outreach and education. They shared with me their approach to educating farmers about climate change and recommendations for adapting to their changing environment, including the use of drought-tolerant crops. Although not all of the information can be readily transferable to Morocco because of the resources and technology available, the main pillars and principles of CSA are the same. From my discussion with Aziz, my practical farming experience, my research, and my coordination with Universities I prepared a PowerPoint presentation on climate change in Morocco and how farmers can use CSA to adapt.

On January 31, I met with Si Larbi Didoquen, a retired official from the Department of Water and Forest with extensive knowledge of farming and related resources in Morocco. I wanted to discuss with him the process of farmers obtaining drip irrigation reimbursement through the government’s Green Morocco Plan so that I would be able to accurately share this information with the farmers of Oulad Mbark. We also discussed various strategies for soil moisture retention that he had seen in Morocco such as using rocks as mulch around trees to reduce evaporation and plastic coverings over the soil.

On February 1 we arrived at the host cooperative (Sanaad Cooperative) in Oulad Mbark to meet with Aziz Taouri, the president of the Bio- Agri Atlas Cooperative of farmers. We discussed their current crop rotations and plans for planting in the coming year. We also discussed their methods for determining soil moisture, regional rainfall predictions, available water resources, and the use of drip irrigation. Aziz also informed me of the other related activities we would be doing in Beni Mellal, specifically visiting climate change researchers at the University Sultan Moulay Slimane School of Science and Technology and a tree planting activity at a local primary school dedicated to ecological education.

The Assignment

During the theoretical part of the Climate-Smart Agriculture training course.
Photo Credit: HAF

On February 2, we conducted the workshop for approximately 3 hours. We spent the first half of the workshop discussing the basics of climate change, global warming, and agriculture’s role in the production and sequestration of carbon in the atmosphere. The participants provided examples of how they are seeing climate change locally and we looked at regional examples of drought, pollination phase disruption, flash floods, and soil erosion. We looked at the effects this is having on food and water security for a growing population. We also touched on the specifics of climate change effects on agriculture through drought.

The second half of the workshop we focused on solutions and adaptations. We looked at innovative examples of reducing soil erosion by observing mineral migration, and the ICARDA developments of drought-resistant wheat seeds. We recalled the organic farming principles discussed during my visit in 2021 and how many of the same practices are present in CSA.

We focused on the many benefits and types of cover crops and the pros and cons of each. We discussed the specifics of no or less till agriculture and the importance of disturbing the soil as little as possible for maintaining soil health, increasing soil moisture retention, reducing soil erosion, and sequestering carbon. We talked together about the importance of crop rotation, drought-resistant crops and endemic plants, and seed saving from year to year.

We spoke about soil testing to understand nutrient deficiencies and what can be planted or added to the soil to improve crop yield. Finally, we discussed strategies for managing water resources with more focused watering through drip irrigation and critical times for watering in plant and tree development. We also touched on the increase in good development and how it affects groundwater availability for all.

Attending the workshop was Hassan Aguermousse, the regional director of the Department of Agriculture, who was able to provide the attendees with specific information about drip irrigation incentives from the government of Morocco, and more specific information about wells and their effects. I then shared the seed packets donated by the Michigan Master Gardner’s Association.

On February 3 we began the day by visiting the Olive Cooperative Taymate in Timoulilte Commune. Many of the cooperative members were unable to attend the workshop the day before and were interested in learning about our discussion that day. We briefly discussed climate change and then focused our discussion on the CSA principles of cover cropping, no or less till agriculture, crop rotations, drought-resistant crops, plants, and endemic species. This group had also heard of “sandwich gardening” and was interested in learning more about that method. I have some experience with the layered concept of this method but have never seen it employed on a large scale. This method could work well for small vegetable plots.

After the visit to the cooperative, we visited the local farm of Si Brahim in Afourar, who had attended the workshop the day before. We were particularly interested in his farm because he has a solar-powered well, successful crops, and diverse tree species. At Brahim’s farm, we collected a soil sample and did a nutrient and pH analysis with the test provided by the University of Arizona. We spoke about how these tests are meant to give an idea of nutrient levels in the soil, but will not give you an exact amount. These types of tests could be easier for farmers to give them an idea of levels several times throughout the year.

Conducting field tests of composite soil samples on farms to determine nutrient levels and pH ideally before planting. Photo Credit: HAF

Although OCP offers free soil tests, the barrier for farmers appears to be the cost and logistics of shipping as well as the time waiting for results. However, we discussed the importance of knowing the exact levels at least once every 2-5 years. There was some trial and error with the tests and we may not have gotten an accurate reading, but it appears that the area we tested was slightly acidic and lacking nitrogen.

We focused on how to obtain a more accurate reading for future tests by collecting a composite sample over 5-7 spots per hectare, and mixing them together with distilled or non-mineral water at a ratio of 5 parts water to one part soil. The mixture must then settle for at least one hour before transferring the water on top into the analysis tubes. I left all the testing supplies with Aziz for distribution as needed. More supplies will be needed.

Post-Assignment Meetings

F2F intervention during an Environmental Forum at the ENCG in Beni Mellal. Photo Credit: HAF

On February 6, at the coordination of Aziz, we were able to go to the University Sultan Moulay Slimane School of Science and Technology to meet with research students and hear about their climate change research and outreach/education efforts. These students are studying the effects of climate change on local watersheds in the Beni Mellal region. They gather data from the field measuring surface water levels, the velocity of rivers, and soil erosion through sediment analysis as it relates to flash floods.

Their work is particularly important as there is no data in this region to date. They have been collecting data for two years which they presented to us. They use GIS modeling to make predictions and then confirm their modeling through field data. Their methods are scientifically sound and their research and passion are very commendable. They lack funding and resources to continue and expand their research which is so vital to understanding and addressing localized climate change. Upon my return to the USA, I will work to establish connections between the University of Arizona’s climate change research programs and the University of Si Slimane in hopes of providing resources.

After the visit to the University, we visited a primary school in the Afourar community that has been recognized for its efforts in ecological education. The school grounds have many trees and plants that are well-tended by the students and staff there. We met with a group of teachers and administrators about their mission to teach the children at the school about the environment and the importance of protecting it.

They described to us their water scarcity issues as their well is shallow and has run dry. Currently, they are watering with municipal water which is very expensive for them. They are hoping to secure funding and resources to extend their current well another 20-40 meters. We planted a Carob tree with the students and had a question and answer time where we tested their knowledge of environmental issues and the benefits of growing trees. The students greatly impressed us with their extensive knowledge about soil erosion, trees and their benefits, and drought.

On February 7 we were invited to participate in a discussion at the University school of human resource management as part of their Environmental Days program in February. I spoke with them about my Environmental Science degree, professional consulting experience, my time in the Peace Corps in Morocco, my farming and farming education experience, and my time spent volunteering with High Atlas Foundation and the Farmer to Farmer program in 2021 and in 2023. We discussed the many problems that Morocco faces with climate change, but made sure to also focus on the many solutions and opportunities there are to adapt and make a positive impact in their communities. The students asked important questions related to technological differences in farming between the USA and Morocco and what they could do as individuals to make a difference.

Observations

The Bio-Agri Atlas farmers cooperative of Oulad Mbark are willing and ready to try new methods of farming to improve water retention and reduce soil erosion. The many benefits of cover cropping and no-till direct seeding are methods they are willing to put in place (and many of them already are). Dry cover crops (residue) from previous seasons’ growth appear to be the most attainable during this time of drought and limited water availability.

Barriers they face are a lack of reliable irrigation water, a lack of technology to predict weather events, measure soil moisture content, and tractor attachments to crimp instead of plow harvested crop residue. Farmers that do not have access to well water are left with no way to irrigate their crops until the catchment dam has been replenished. Each farmer has their own well seems to be a temporary solution only that may have lasting consequences of groundwater depletion without proper water management.

The Ph.D. students at the University Sultan Moulay Slimane School of Science and Technology are conducting scientifically sound and commendable research that is immensely important for the Beni Mellal region and Morocco. They lack proper funding and resources to effectively continue and expand their studies.

The students at the primary school of Ait Chaib show extensive knowledge of their local environment, issues they face, and solutions they have. The ecological focus of the school is so important that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge to be active participants in environmental solutions. The lack of water is also affecting their ability to sustainably maintain their school grounds.

The Environment club at the University School of Human Resource Management is highly motivated to make a positive impact in their communities, country, and world. The Environment Days program is a very effective way to educate the school population about the environmental issues we are facing.