Co-organized by the African Institute for Research in Sustainable Agriculture (ASARI) in Foum El Oued, part of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and the Phosboucraa Foundation, this three-day conference is part of the of the proclamation by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) of the year 2024 as the International Year of the Camelidae, thus highlighting the crucial importance of this species on a global scale.
Held under the theme “Improving the productivity of the camel sector via modern technologies”, this first conference focuses on sustainable practices, the development and improvement of camel value chains, as well as the socio-economic impact of camelids.
This event also aims to improve breeding techniques and advance the industrialization of camel products, in order to optimize production and develop the local and regional economy.
Speaking at the opening of this international meeting, the director of ASARI, Lamfeddal Kouisni, indicated that the objective of this conference is to allow researchers and experts to exchange with breeders and cooperatives the latest innovations in terms of products, technologies, and good practices in camel management and to promote the contributions of scientists to the development of camel breeding.
Mr. Kouisni also noted that this conference aims to identify the major challenges facing players in the sector in the southern regions, in order to allow researchers to better prioritize their actions and areas of research.
In this context, he stressed the need to strengthen the technical capacities of technicians and cooperatives in the field of camel breeding, indicating that ASARI has launched several research programs including a program dedicated to the animal value chain.
For his part, the Secretary General of the Phosboucraa Foundation, Karima Seghiri, stressed that the Foundation is strengthening its support for ASARI, by supporting the exploration of the camel sector, noting that the exchanges, scientific debates and reflections of the participants will contribute significantly to identifying avenues for improvement, or new ways of promoting the camel industry.
She also noted that this conference constitutes an opportunity to explore new development possibilities which could ultimately benefit the various stakeholders, whether breeders, presidents of cooperatives or entrepreneurs.
For his part, the regional director of Agriculture of Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra, Abderahmane El Amari, said that the number of camel herd is estimated at 105,000 heads, or 52% at the national level, while the ranges are around 9 million Ha, or 64% of the total area of the region.
Given the essential role of this sector in economic and social development in the region, the supervisory department has put in place a strategy to develop this sector as part of the green generation strategy, aiming in particular to promote camel breeding and encourage investments in this area, he continued.
Likewise, Mr. El Amari indicated that the Regional Directorate of Agriculture has proceeded with the development of water points and the acquisition of flexible plastic tanks for watering livestock, in addition to the provision of subsidies to camel breeders in the region.
On the training side, the Director of the institute of technicians specializing in agriculture in Laâyoune, Mohamed Daoudi, noted that camel breeding is among the training provided within this Institute, specifying that the first class includes some 25 camel breeding technicians.
This international conference highlights the numerous contributions of camelids to society, opening new perspectives for the future of the sector. Panels, practical workshops and networking sessions are on the program to strengthen international collaborations and respond to the current challenges facing the camel sector.
The opening session of the Conference was marked by the presence of the wali of the Laâyoune region Sakia-El Hamra, governor of the province of Laâyoune, Abdeslam Bekrate, and the general director of Phosboucraa, Mohamed Hallouzi, as well as elected officials and local officials.