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Al Moutmir conference highlights Africa’s path to agricultural innovation
The Al Moutmir "From Science to Impact" conference, held on Monday in Benguerir, Morocco, served as a platform to discuss the future of African agriculture. The event focused on the transformative role of advanced technologies and innovative approaches in driving sustainable development across the continent's agricultural sector.
The 19th Al Moutmir Innovation Lab, hosted by the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), brought together over 150 participants, including academics, industry experts, farmers, and policymakers. The discussions revolved around the integration of agricultural advisory services and technology to accelerate Africa's transition to sustainable farming practices.
Mustapha El Bouhssini, associate dean for research at UM6P’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, emphasized that scientific research alone cannot solve the sector's pressing challenges. He stressed the significance of implementing innovations on the ground and ensuring their adoption by farmers. Local agricultural advisory services, he noted, play a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and real-world impact.
Kaushik Majumdar, Director General of the African Plant Nutrition Institute in Morocco, advocated for a participatory approach that combines scientific expertise with the practical knowledge of farmers. He highlighted the importance of tailoring innovations to farmers’ specific needs to maximize their effectiveness.
Nawfel Roudies, Director of the Al Moutmir Business Unit within UM6P, added that innovation requires a structured framework for testing, adapting, and scaling new practices. He underscored the need for collaboration between research institutions and farmers to ensure long-term success.
The conference also served as a platform to announce a major continental meeting scheduled for 2026. This upcoming event will bring together international and local experts to further explore the role of agricultural advisory services and technology in Africa’s agricultural transformation.
The Al Moutmir initiative, supported by UM6P and the OCP Foundation, has already made significant strides in promoting sustainable agriculture in Morocco. The program operates 1,102 demonstration platforms across 24 provinces and 120 communes, benefiting 27 lead farmers directly and over 3,000 others through training sessions and digital tools. These platforms allow farmers to test innovative techniques and compare them with traditional methods, helping them adopt practices that yield better results.
By bridging the gap between science and farming, Al Moutmir is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future in Africa.
