Study Trip , Rabat, Living Lab Aït Otmane

Study Trip - Living Lab Aït Otmane

Marocco, Rabat, July 4, 2025

1. Background and Purpose:

As part of the NATAE project, the National School of Agriculture of Meknes organized, in collaboration with the Network of Agroecological Initiatives in Morocco, on July 4, 2025, a study trip to Rabat for the benefit of the farmers of the Living Lab Aït Otmane. This initiative is part of a participatory approach aimed at strengthening farmers’ capacities and promoting the transfer of knowledge in agroecology. The main objective of this outing was to promote the exchange of experiences between the participants and to allow them to discover innovative agroecological practices, in particular through meetings with experts, pioneer farmers and visits to exemplary agricultural sites. This trip also stimulated collective reflection on sustainable alternatives to conventional agricultural practices, in line with current climate and environmental challenges.

2. Location of the visit:

Farm visited: organic farm located in El Arejat GPS coordinates: 34°00’47.7″N, 6°38’48.2″W

3. Programme of activities

Activity 1: Welcome and initial exchanges

The day began with a welcome and presentation session, during which each participant had the opportunity to introduce themselves and explain their agricultural experience, thus promoting a first rich exchange between the farmers of the Aït Otmane Living Lab and the hosts of the farm visited. These presentations helped to create a climate of trust, conducive to the exchange of know-how and the sharing of agricultural practices. This first step laid the foundations for an open and constructive dialogue throughout the day.

Activity 2: Presentation of the agroecological experience
  • Farm history

The farm visited represents a concrete example of a successful transition to agroecology. The adoption of agroecological practices began in 2006, on a modest area of about 1000 m². As early as 2007, agricultural production was launched, marking the beginning of a cropping system based on ecological principles, including organic fertilization, crop associations and the integration of livestock and beekeeping. The farm has also begun the direct marketing of its products, mainly in central Rabat, thus contributing to the dissemination of products from sustainable agriculture.

Exchange on major challenges

An open exchange was organized between the farmers of the Living Lab Aït Otmane and the managers of the host farm. This exchange highlighted several major challenges faced by farmers engaged in agroecology:

Lack of specific training: Many farmers point to the lack of programmes adapted to agroecology, thus limiting their ability to improve or diversify their practices.

Difficulties in accessing the market: the valorization of agroecological products remains a challenge, in particular due to the lack of alternative distribution channels and competition with conventional products.

Need for technical support: producers express an increased need for supervision, particularly in soil fertility management, ecological pest control and production organization.

This offers participants the opportunity to share their experiences, to identify with the challenges encountered and to think together about sustainable solutions that are appropriate to the local context.

Activity 3: Guided tour of the farm

The third activity of the day consisted of a detailed guided tour of the host farm, which gave participants the opportunity to explore a variety of agroecological agricultural practices applied on site. This visit was a crucial moment to see in a tangible way the implementation of sustainable principles in the agricultural field.

Key practices observed included:

Integrated agroecology: the farm applies a variety of agricultural techniques that respect the environment and are adapted to local contexts.

Agroforestry: judicious combination of trees, crops and sometimes livestock on the same plot, promoting biodiversity and the resilience of production systems.

Permaculture: development of agricultural land according to the principles of sustainability, efficiency and positive interaction between the elements of the system.

Crop rotation and association: implementation of regular crop rotation and crop associations in strips of 6 to 7 metres, in order to prevent diseases, improve soil fertility and optimise space.

Varied market gardening: the farm develops a great cultural diversity, especially in seasonal vegetables.

Beekeeping: The presence of beehives promotes natural pollination and strengthens the surrounding ecosystems.

Livestock: integrated into the production system, livestock contributes to soil fertilization.

Organic fertilization: use of manure produced on site, ensuring natural enrichment of the soil.

Manual weeding: the use of mechanical and manual methods to limit the use of chemicals.

Sustainable irrigation system: use of drip irrigation powered by a solar pump, with water storage in a basin, guaranteeing efficient and economical management of the resource.

The farm sells directly at home, with a regular clientele of between 40 and 60 families, making it possible to strengthen the producer-consumer link, to reduce intermediaries and to promote fresh and local products.

Activity 4: Discussion on the SPG Certification System – RIAM
  • Presentation of the Participatory Guarantee Scheme (GSP) – RIAM
  • GSP requirements
  • GSP benefits for small-scale producers
  • Procedure for obtaining SPG certification

Exchange day Living Lab of Skoura

Exchange day Living Lab of Skoura

Marocco, July 17, 2025

1. Background and Objective:

As part of the NATAE project, the National School of Agriculture of Meknes in collaboration with the Network of Agroecological Initiatives in Morocco organized, on July 17, 2025, a day of exchange between the farmers of the Living Lab of Skoura on the theme of agroecology. This initiative is a participatory approach aimed at strengthening farmers’ knowledge and promoting collective learning about agroecological practices. The main objective of the meeting was to provide a space for farmers to share their experiences and local knowledge, while addressing the challenges encountered on the ground. These exchanges allowed the participants to collectively reflect on alternatives to conventional agricultural practices in relation to the agro-climatic realities of the Skoura territory. This activity has also contributed to creating a community dynamic within the Living Lab and to supporting the agroecological transition undertaken in the territory.

2. Location of the activity:

The activity took place at the mountainous Living Lab of Skoura M’daz, located in the prefecture of Boulemane, Fez-Meknes Region. The selection of participants was made in such a way as to ensure representation of the different areas of the Living Lab, taking into account the diversity of local conditions with regard to the availability and management of water and agricultural systems. Representatives of associations and cooperatives active in the territory were also invited to ensure a wide dissemination of the information and exchanges resulting from this day to the entire Living Lab community.

3. Procedure of the exchange

The session began with a presentation of the participants, composed of 16 farmers from the different areas of the Living Lab of Skoura M’daz, representing various cooperatives (particularly in the sectors of aromatic and medicinal plants, olives, etc.) as well as local associations. The ENAM and RIAM teams were also present.

The exchange was initiated by a member of the RIAM team, who highlighted the importance of agroecology as the only viable alternative to preserve a healthy agricultural system, respectful of nature and beneficial for human health. In particular, it was mentioned that the growing problems of soil fertility and quality, as well as the scarcity of water resources, make this transition essential.

The President of RIAM, then introduced the discussion around the concept of agroecology, inviting farmers to share their own definitions and perceptions. This openness allowed participants to exchange freely and highlight the benefits they associate with agroecology, in particular the abandonment of pesticides and chemicals, perceived as a step towards healthier agriculture.

The discussion then turned to a set of agricultural and agroecological practices, including:

  • Organic fertilization (compost, manure, manure tea), recognized for its role in the conservation of biodiversity, both above and below ground. One participant raised the difference between manure, which is rich in nitrogen and carbon, and manure tea, which contains only nitrogen, thus requiring the external supply of carbon.
  • Deep ploughing, criticized for its negative effects on the internal biodiversity of the soil. It disrupts ecosystems, reduces soil moisture and contributes to soil degradation.
  • The association of legumes with other crops, highlighted for its ability to enrich the soil with nitrogen thanks to the Rhizobium bacterium, present in the roots of legumes.
  • Crop rotation, recommended for both its economic (income diversification) and ecological (improved soil fertility and enhanced biodiversity) benefits.
  • The use of local seeds, which are more adapted to the climatic conditions and soils of the territory.
  • Water management and irrigation, a widely debated subject. It was pointed out that in some contexts, gravity irrigation may be more beneficial than drip irrigation, especially if it is performed every two weeks. This method encourages deeper root development. The participants also insisted on the importance of the human presence on the plot and the emotional link with the crops. The optimal time for irrigation was identified between midnight and 3 a.m., when the plants best absorb water.

Agroforestry, perceived as an essential lever for the protection of the ecosystem, thanks to the harmonious association between trees and agricultural crops.

Finally, the question of how to convince farmers to engage in an agroecological transition was raised by one of the participants. It was answered that the concrete benefits of agroecology – such as reduced inputs, lower production costs, and income diversification – represent convincing and promising arguments to encourage the gradual adoption of these sustainable practices.

The discussion also focused on the Participatory Guarantee System – RIAM. The participants discussed the functioning of the participatory guarantee system, its requirements, its advantages for small producers, as well as the procedure to be followed to obtain this certification.