Morocco and FAO Collaborate to Strengthen Food Systems Amid Water Scarcity Challenges

In a significant move aimed at ensuring food security and advancing sustainable agricultural practices, Morocco and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have established a groundbreaking partnership. On April 24th, 2024, a conference on the transformation of food systems in Morocco took place in the city of Meknes, chaired by Mohammed Sadiki, the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests, alongside Jean Senahoun, the FAO Representative in Morocco.

Hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the FAO, the conference delved into the complexities of transforming Morocco's food systems. Key highlights included presentations of findings from the national dialogue cycle and the national roadmap for food systems transformation, along with discussions on governance, financing, and the integration of international experiences. The overarching goal was to move towards a resilient and collaborative model for water resource management.

Central to this joint effort is a significant convention signed between the Moroccan government and the FAO, marking a pivotal step in addressing water scarcity and enhancing the sustainability of food systems in Morocco and the broader Near East and North Africa (NENA) region.

Through this partnership, both parties have formally committed to implementing the Regional Initiative on Water Scarcity, backed by a budget of $31.5 million USD spanning from June 2024 to September 2028. The project aims to improve governance, enhance food system resilience, and upgrade water management in response to climate-related challenges.

Minister Sadiki emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "We are at a critical juncture where strengthening our food systems is imperative. This collaboration with the FAO will enable us to improve water management and efficiency, essential for ensuring food security in our region." This statement reflects Morocco's steadfast dedication to sustainable and resilient agriculture in the face of mounting environmental pressures.

Jean Senahoun, the FAO Representative, expressed optimism about the initiative's impact, asserting, "This project goes beyond mere financial or technological commitments; it embodies a cooperative model that aims to revolutionize agricultural practices by integrating sustainability and innovation into our food systems."

The signing of this convention comes at a time when the MENA region faces unprecedented challenges concerning water and food security. By embracing innovative approaches and enhancing international cooperation, Morocco and the FAO are jointly striving for a future where food security is underpinned by robust and equitable systems.

Moreover, this convention underscores Morocco's ongoing efforts to embed environmental and climate considerations into its agricultural strategy, aligning its actions with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. It represents a significant step towards realizing food systems that not only nourish but also sustain the natural ecosystems and communities reliant on them.

In conclusion, the statement affirmed, "The agreement signed today underscores Morocco's and its international partners' dedication to effecting significant changes in natural resource management, with a particular emphasis on tackling water scarcity, a critical concern for present and future generations"