Al Moutmir Program Reviews Future Lessons from 2024-2025 Olive Campaign, Sustainable Farming Practices – Morocco World News

Al Moutmir Program Reviews 2024-2025 Olive Campaign: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction and Conference Overview

The Al Moutmir program presented the results of its olive demonstration platforms for the 2024-2025 agricultural campaign during an online conference. The event gathered researchers, agricultural experts, and farmers to review field results and discuss sustainable olive cultivation practices in Morocco, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

• Review of scientific findings and research initiatives
• Discussion of practical experiences from the latest olive campaign
• Focus on strengthening the link between research and field practices
• Emphasis on improving productivity while preserving soil and natural resources

Background of the Al Moutmir Program

Launched in September 2018, Al Moutmir is a multi-service initiative led by Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and the OCP Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture. The program supports farmers, especially smallholders, by providing innovative and tailored solutions to improve productivity and sustainability, contributing directly to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

• Promotion of best agricultural practices and governance techniques
• Rational fertilization as a key lever to preserve natural resources and boost yields
• Provision of field demonstration platforms, soil analyses, training sessions, technological tools, and capacity-building programs
• Target groups include farmers, rural women, cooperatives, and young leaders

Conference Highlights and Key Messages

Opening Remarks

Sidi Ahmed El Moutaki, Lead Agronomist Developer for Al Moutmir, expressed gratitude to participants and agricultural workers for their dedication, highlighting the importance of collaboration in achieving the program’s goals.

Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration

Maalem Ayoub, regional coordinator, emphasized the value of knowledge exchange among stakeholders to address seasonal challenges and improve future practices, supporting SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Season Overview and Weather Impact on Olive Production

Belkacem Boulouha of UM6P presented an analysis of the 2024-2025 agricultural season, noting the following:

1. Favorable rainfall during flowering and moderate temperatures supported healthy growth.
2. Dry conditions during fruit development affected yields in several regions.
3. Late November rains mitigated significant losses.
4. Chill hours decreased from 558 in 2021 to 452 in 2024, impacting flowering and yields.
5. Variability in production among neighboring farms highlighted the importance of soil, microclimate, and cultivation techniques.

Farmers were advised to monitor environmental factors and apply proper irrigation and pruning to reduce yield loss and maintain olive quality, aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

The total olive production for the season was approximately 2,000 tons.

Research, Quality, and Market Considerations

Abderaouf El Antari from the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) discussed ongoing research aimed at enhancing Moroccan olive cultivation to meet growing global demand and market standards.

• Focus on producing high-quality olive oils that satisfy health and market requirements (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being).
• Importance of soil quality, climate, olive varieties, and farming practices in achieving premium production.
• Need for alignment between cultivation techniques and market expectations to maintain competitiveness.
• Emphasis on safety and quality control throughout production stages.

Fertilization and Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Hakim Boulal, Senior Scientist and Regional Coordinator for North Africa at APNI, presented the 4R Nutrient Stewardship approach, which promotes:

1. Right nutrient source
2. Right rate
3. Right time
4. Right place

This method enhances productivity while preserving natural resources, supporting SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Al Moutmir also provides user-friendly technological tools and capacity-building programs targeting rural women, cooperatives, and young leaders, fostering inclusive growth and empowerment consistent with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Conclusion

Through applied research, demonstration platforms, and training programs, the Al Moutmir initiative continues to advance sustainable olive cultivation in Morocco. The program’s integrated approach addresses environmental preservation, economic viability, and social inclusion, thereby contributing to multiple Sustainable Development Goals and supporting Morocco’s agricultural sector in meeting both environmental and market challenges.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Focus on improving agricultural productivity and sustainable farming practices to ensure food security.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Promotion of sustainable fertilization and resource preservation aligns with responsible production.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Monitoring climate factors such as rainfall, temperature, and chill hours to adapt agricultural practices.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Preservation of soil and natural resources through sustainable farming methods.
5. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Capacity-building programs targeting rural women to empower them in agriculture.
6. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Use of innovative technological tools and research to improve agricultural practices.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.4: Environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil.
5. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.a: Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women.
6. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Agricultural Productivity and Production
   • Total olive production volume (e.g., 2,000 tons for the 2024-2025 season).
   • Yield variations related to climatic factors such as chill hours and rainfall.
2. Soil and Resource Management
   • Soil analyses and quality assessments.
   • Application of the 4R fertilization approach (right source, rate, time, place).
3. Climate Adaptation
   • Monitoring temperature, rainfall, and pruning schedules to reduce yield loss.
4. Capacity Building and Inclusion
   • Number of training sessions and participants, especially rural women and young leaders.
5. Quality and Market Standards
   • Compliance with local and international quality standards for olive oil.
   • Safety and quality control measures throughout production stages.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: moroccoworldnews.com