Revitalizing Morocco‘s Rural Zones: EU-Backed IHYAE Program Targets Sustainable Agriculture and Job Creation
In response to the pressing environmental and social challenges facing Moroccan agriculture, the Agence pour le développement agricole (ADA) is pushing forward with an ambitious project: the "IHYAE" program. Funded by the European Union (EU) and the French Development Agency (AFD), this initiative aims to support small-scale farmers in their transition towards sustainable and climate-resilient practices.
A Three-pronged Approach for Rural Revitalization
The IHYAE program zeros in on three regions: Fès-Meknès, Souss-Massa, and Oriental. Its goal is to bolster rural economies by boosting employment, entrepreneurship, and agroecological transitions. Thirteen national and international NGOs, selected through an April call for interest, have been invited to table innovative, locally adapted projects.
At the heart of this project lies the aim to establish an inclusive agricultural model founded on agroecological solutions. These include the adoption of organic fertilizers, crop diversification, renewable energy integration, and the embrace of modern technologies such as digitalization and natural capital-based solutions. In parallel, farmers will receive technical support and training, particularly in obtaining organic certifications and fostering local market circuits.
Substantial Funding and Robust Evaluation
IHYAE offers substantial financial support, with individual initiatives eligible for up to €800,000, contingent on a total €4 million envelope. Applications close on February 28, 2025, and projects will be assessed based on their environmental impact, local adaptability, and feasibility.
This program targets depopulating rural territories by fostering job creation, entrepreneurship, and locally beneficial socio-economic initiatives. It champions agroecology as an integrated, holistic approach that maximizes agricultural productivity without degrading natural resources. This approach promotes practices such as crop diversification, integrated pest management, soil conservation, water resource optimization, and biodiversity promotion.
By driving these transformative changes, the IHYAE program plays a pivotal role in Morocco’s Generation Green strategy (2020-2030), strengthening rural economies and positively impacting the lives of countless farmers and their communities.
