Reviving Heritage: Rhamna's Path to Recovery Through Traditional Skills

In the wake of the devastating Al Haouz earthquake that struck Morocco's Rhamna province in September 2023, a wave of resilience is sweeping through the region. Residents are turning to ancestral skills to rebuild their lives and stimulate the local economy, as highlighted in a recent report by the French Development Agency (AFD).

The earthquake, which ravaged over 50,000 homes and crippled critical infrastructure, left many in dire straits. With agriculture, roads, and health services severely impacted, the educational prospects of young community members have also suffered. The report underscores the myriad challenges facing this area.

Nevertheless, by leveraging local resources and cultural heritage, Rhamna is carving out a path to recovery through sustainable development efforts. The AFD report notes: “To revive the local economy, create new jobs, and encourage education, the inhabitants have been mobilizing for years to harness local resources and culture.”

A notable initiative is a large greenhouse in the heart of Rhamna, designed to produce horticultural, ornamental, and forestry plants. Managed by an economic interest group, this project aims to supply local farmers while creating jobs for the economically vulnerable.

The Women's Initiative Association of Rhamna (AIFR) has also launched a cooperative called the "House of Wool," where traditional weaving techniques are taught to younger generations. Fatima Boumehdi, a skilled weaver, shares how the co-op, typically employing six people, can expand to include up to 50 women for larger orders.

Amid the material losses from the 2023 quake, numerous reconstruction efforts are underway. The AIFR supports architect Rachid Bouqartacha, who specializes in building with local materials, in teaching traditional methods to young volunteers. This initiative not only aims to rebuild damaged villages but also to create jobs and train youth in these crafts, all while addressing climate concerns.

These time-honored techniques are both efficient and cost-effective, requiring only simple, eco-friendly materials. Bouqartacha emphasizes that once trained, “the young people will return to their villages and form small businesses or cooperatives to aid in reconstruction.”

The AFD highlights that these projects illustrate how traditional trades can offer economically and environmentally viable solutions to contemporary challenges. The agency is committed to supporting this multi-sector project as part of its mission to foster social and ecological transitions in the region.