Journée d'échange Laboratoire vivant de 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.