This regional master plan for identifying vulnerable sites requiring water and soil conservation interventions and potential rainwater harvesting sites will serve as a basis for teh development of a national action plan for the conservation and development of vulnerable agricultural land, according to data from the Béni Mellal-Khénifra DRA.
Said action plan will be developed taking into account the fact that the problem of agricultural land degradation cannot be addressed without taking into account the constraints linked to lack of water and recurrent droughts in the areas of rain-fed agriculture, within the framework of the Generation Green strategy, especially it’s axis relating to the enduring management of natural resources.
This study is also part of a policy of soil preservation, sustainability of water resources, mobilization of rainwater to guarantee sustainable agricultural activity for the populations concerned, and cartographic delimitation of areas to be protect.
Thus, this study ultimately aims to develop a development program for water and soil conservation by referring to the results of agro-pedological and topographical work on regional agricultural maps and also the definition of appropriate techniques for the mobilization and collection of rainwater in the areas studied, taking into account their specificities and the geographical location of the priority sites to be developed.
Remember that water erosion constitutes the main threat to the degradation of agricultural land in Morocco. It causes agro-pedological damage and damage upstream and downstream of hydraulic infrastructures, both in the irrigated areas and in the Bour, while affecting the sustainability of agricultural and rangeland properties on the hydro-pedological and environmental levels. topography of the sites.
Indeed, the cost of land degradation by this phenomenon is estimated, according to a study carried out in 2017 by the World Bank, at 0.54% of national GDP,despite the constant efforts made by public authorities in terms of land degradation. water and soil conservation.
To deal with this, this new vision focuses on the establishment of a national plan and regional plans for water and soil conservation and rainwater collection in the areas most threatened by the phenomenon of erosion and suffering from water shortage.
– How can farmers effectively implement rainwater harvesting techniques to combat land degradation?
Title: Navigating Agricultural Land Degradation: An Interview with Water and Soil Conservation Expert
editor: Thank you for joining us today to discuss the pressing issues surrounding agricultural land degradation in Morocco and the recent initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges. Can you provide an overview of the regional master plan regarding water and soil conservation?
Expert: Thank you for having me. The regional master plan aims to identify vulnerable agricultural sites that require immediate water and soil conservation interventions, and also potential rainwater harvesting locations. This framework will ultimately guide the development of a comprehensive national action plan, essential for the conservation and enduring development of Morocco’s agricultural landscape.
Editor: That sounds crucial. It’s clear that the challenges posed by agricultural land degradation cannot be overlooked. how do factors like water scarcity and drought intersect with this issue?
Expert: Absolutely. The problems of agricultural land degradation are exacerbated by the persistent constraints of insufficient water resources and recurrent droughts, notably in rain-fed agricultural areas. these environmental challenges must be integrated into any robust strategy, such as the Generation Green initiative, which emphasizes sustainable natural resource management.
Editor: you mentioned the importance of soil preservation and sustainability of water resources.What strategies are being formulated to achieve this?
Expert: The study aims to implement a combination of strategies, including mobilizing rainwater to enhance sustainable agricultural practices for local populations. Additionally, we are focusing on cartographically delineating areas that require protection. By analyzing agro-pedological and topographical data, we can tailor specific techniques for rainwater collection and conservation that fit the unique geographical characteristics of the vulnerable sites.
Editor: Water erosion is a significant threat to agricultural land in Morocco. Can you elaborate on its impact and the associated costs?
Expert: Certainly. Water erosion not only damages agricultural land but also negatively affects hydraulic infrastructures both upstream and downstream. This degradation impacts agricultural sustainability and contributes to environmental instability. According to a World Bank study from 2017, the cost of land degradation due to water erosion is approximately 0.54% of Morocco’s national GDP. this is a staggering figure, despite ongoing governmental efforts to combat these challenges.
Editor: Given these insights,what practical advice would you offer to farmers operating in these vulnerable regions?
Expert: It’s essential for farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices that conserve soil and water. This includes implementing techniques such as contour farming and using cover crops to reduce erosion. Additionally,farmers should actively participate in community programs aimed at rainwater harvesting and conservation,as collective efforts can yield significant benefits for agricultural productivity.Staying informed about national and regional conservation plans is equally important to ensure that they can access available resources and support.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your expertise on such a critical topic. Before we conclude, what are the next steps for implementing the national plan?
expert: The next steps involve finalizing the regional assessments and integrating community feedback. It’s also vital to engage with local stakeholders to ensure the initiatives align with their needs and priorities. Continuous monitoring and adaptive management will be key to ensuring the plan’s success in reversing the effects of land degradation and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Editor: Thank you once again for your insights. It’s evident that a multi-faceted approach is necessary to tackle the challenges of water and soil conservation in Morocco and ensure the sustainability of agricultural lands for future generations.
Expert: Thank you for this opportunity to discuss these important issues. Collaboration and commitment at all levels will be essential for effective implementation and lasting change.