Nestled in the High Atlas Mountains, 112 km from Marrakech, Adassil is beginning to regain its former dynamism thanks to agriculture, a true pillar of the region’s economic activity.
Courage,hope and resilience are,today,the key words among the inhabitants of the douars of this mountainous locality who,faced with the scale of the losses caused by the natural disaster,have rolled up their sleeves to revitalize their land and get back on track.normal of their lives.
lhossein Agour, a local breeder, expresses his deep gratitude to the initiatives to support farmers, notably the free distributions of livestock and fodder, which allowed him to turn around the situation after the considerable losses he suffered.
“The support measures have considerably strengthened the hope and resilience of all breeders in the region,” he told MAP.
Same story with Hamid Bendriss, farmer in douar Majdid, who also benefited from the distribution of barley and seeds adapted to the new post-earthquake conditions.
“Thanks to this support, we will be able to restore our crops and improve our yield with a view to contributing to the food security of our region,” he said, in an enthusiastic and hopeful tone.
In the neighboring douar of Tikekht, the efforts made to repair, reorganize and fill with water a seguia with a length of 2,000 ml are already beginning to bear fruit, to the great happiness of the inhabitants, who do not hide their relief .
“We now have regular access to irrigation water. This allows us to save our crops and resume our agricultural activities with greater peace of mind,” rejoiced Abdelkabir Balhih, one of the residents of the douar.
In addition to these efforts in Adassil, similar initiatives have multiplied in other municipalities in the province of Chichaoua, to rebuild infrastructure essential to the resumption of agricultural activities.
hamid Aresmouk, director of the “Abaynou Olive Chichaoua” Economic Interest Group, expressed his deep gratitude for the support received for the rehabilitation of the headquarters of this association, located in the rural commune of Sidi Bouzid.
“The renovation of facilities and equipment has made it possible to relaunch olive processing and marketing activities,essential for the local economy,” he said,expressing his hope for a complete and lasting resumption of olive production. olive growing activity, a real lever for the economic prosperity of the province.
Moreover, Tarik Touimi, provincial delegate of Agriculture, underlined the importance of continued efforts to support agricultural recovery in the province.
In a statement to MAP, he specified that the rehabilitation of infrastructure, combined with support programs for farmers and breeders, constitutes a priority to guarantee an effective and sustainable recovery.
For Mr. Touimi, these initiatives aim not only to restore production capacities, but also to strengthen the resilience of agricultural communities in the face of future challenges.
How does the restoration of irrigation systems impact long-term agricultural sustainability in regions affected by natural disasters?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Agricultural Expert on Post-Disaster Recovery in Adassil
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. To start, can you provide an overview of how agriculture has been pivotal in the recovery of Adassil following the recent natural disaster?
Expert: Certainly! Agriculture has always been a cornerstone of Adassil’s economy, and after the earthquake, it became even more crucial for revitalizing the community. The resilience shown by local farmers and breeders, like Lhossein Agour and Hamid Bendriss, exemplifies how collaboratively addressing challenges can lead to substantial recovery.With initiatives such as the distribution of livestock and essential agricultural supplies,these efforts have not only helped individuals rebound but also brought hope to the entire region.
Editor: It’s heartening to see such resilience. What specific support measures have been implemented to aid farmers in this recovery process?
Expert: The support measures include free distributions of livestock, fodder, barley, and climate-adapted seeds.These initiatives have been vital for farmers like Hamid Bendriss, who are now able to restore their crops effectively. With the right resources,farmers can enhance their yields and contribute significantly to regional food security,which is essential post-disaster.
Editor: We’ve also heard about the restoration of irrigation systems, such as the seguia project in Tikekht. How critical is this infrastructure for agricultural sustainability?
Expert: Very critical! Access to reliable irrigation directly supports agricultural activities. As mentioned by residents like Abdelkabir Balhih, the restored ability to irrigate crops has provided them peace of mind, allowing them to return to farming confidently. Enduring irrigation systems reduce vulnerability to droughts and are essential for consistent agricultural productivity, particularly in mountainous regions like the High Atlas.
Editor: I’d like to shift our focus slightly to the regional economic impact. How do agricultural initiatives tie into broader economic recovery in provinces like Chichaoua?
Expert: Agricultural initiatives are integral to the broader economic recovery in regions like Chichaoua. They not only support local farmers but also stimulate related industries, such as olive processing mentioned by Hamid Aresmouk. Renovating facilities helps maintain the supply chain and could lead to increased marketing of local products, ultimately enhancing economic resilience and prosperity in the province.
editor: What future considerations should farmers and local authorities keep in mind to ensure continued agricultural success?
Expert: One critical aspect is ongoing support for infrastructure and educational programs. Tarik Touimi, the provincial delegate of agriculture, emphasizes the need for sustained efforts. This means prioritizing rehabilitation projects and tailoring support programs to bolster resilience against future challenges.Continuous training in sustainable practices can also equip farmers with the necessary skills to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Editor: What practical advice can you provide to our readers who may want to contribute or engage with recovery efforts in affected communities?
Expert: Readers can get involved by supporting local agricultural cooperatives or initiatives aimed at rebuilding.Whether through donations or volunteer work,their contributions can significantly impact recovery.Additionally, advocating for policies that prioritize agricultural resilience and infrastructure development can help ensure these communities are prepared for any future adversities.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights on this vital topic. It’s clear that the journey towards recovery in Adassil is an inspiring example of community resilience and collaboration.
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s imperative that we continue these conversations to raise awareness and gather support for these vital agricultural initiatives.