Strengthening the skills of local stakeholders

In a region where water resources are under heavy pressure, information and training play an important role. The objective is to support farmers in adopting more water-efficient agricultural practices and to promote more responsible management of water resources.

The hydro-agricultural development project is therefore accompanied by a capacity-building program mainly intended for farmers, but also for agricultural cooperatives and local organizations involved in rural development.

Raising awareness of water-related challenges

In a context marked by the decline in groundwater levels and by the effects of climate change, raising awareness among water users is becoming essential. Local meetings and exchange sessions are organized in order to inform farmers and rural communities about these challenges.

These actions make it possible in particular to address:

• the evolution of water resources in the region
• the effects of climate change on agriculture
• agricultural practices that make it possible to reduce water consumption
• the importance of sustainable water-resource management

Training in water-efficient agricultural practices

The program also includes training activities intended for farmers. These training sessions present various techniques aimed at improving irrigation efficiency and optimizing water use on farms.

They focus in particular on:

• micro-irrigation techniques
• improving existing irrigation systems
• adapting farming practices
• water management at the farm level

These training sessions take place as close as possible to the farmers, in the rural areas of the Saïss plain. They encourage the exchange of experiences among participants and make it possible to adapt recommendations to realities on the ground. The objective is to facilitate the gradual adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices.

Access to modern irrigation technologies

The adoption of modern irrigation technologies is an important lever for improving water-use efficiency.

Within this framework, the program also provides support to help farmers access public schemes supporting modern irrigation, in particular subsidies intended for the development of micro-irrigation. This support helps to overcome certain administrative difficulties and encourages investment in equipment that makes it possible to save water.

Support for the initiatives of rural women

Capacity building also concerns the participation of women in agricultural activities. In several rural areas of the Saïss plain, women’s cooperatives are developing activities related to the production and processing of agricultural products.

Certain actions are implemented in order to support these initiatives, notably:

• technical and commercial training
• practical workshops intended for women’s cooperatives
• support for access to markets and financing

These actions help strengthen the skills of rural women and support their participation in local economic development.

More sustainable agriculture in the Saïss plain

Through awareness-raising, training and support for local stakeholders, the capacity-building program helps improve water management in the Saïss plain.

By facilitating access to knowledge and appropriate practices, it supports farmers in the evolution of their production methods and in the transition towards more water-efficient agriculture.