On the 5th of October, researchers, representative board members, farmers and representative of ICARDA gathered for the Living Lab launch in the peri-urban area of Meknes, in the valley of the river Ouislane. In this area farmers cultivate vegetables supplemented by tree crop cultivation and livestock rearing.
The launch meeting took place on a local farm offering outdoor environmental education activities for children and their families. Participants were welcomed with tea and breakfast and some opening words by professors of ENA and the regional representative of the National Agricultural Counsel Office (ONCA). He is engaged in the Association Nord de Plaisance (ANDPE), a local environmental organization, and emphasized the value of protecting the agricultural use in the valley.
The group headed out for a transect walk through farmer fields distributed along the river. The experience of the transect walk was appreciated by the farmers and it was considered very useful since it gave them an overall idea of what is happening in their valley rather than focusing on each one plots. Interactions evolved around the maintenance of available water sources and irrigation channels, the biological regulation of weeds and pests but also the usage of spontaneous vegetation in local dishes.
After the transect walk the participants gathered at the local agritourist farm below pavilions constructed using locally sourced reed sticks, a plant which grows vividly along the river. Sheltered from the hot sun, participants reflected on the observations made during the transect walk and discussed opportunities for action in the area. The participants showed interest in experimenting with crop association and agroforestry arrangements, organic fertilization with composts, and efficient water use techniques. A closer organization of farmers and developing touristic and culinary activities was also discussed. The meeting ended with a shared lunch and the exchange of ideas and contacts under the shadow.
Pictures from the Living Lab Launch in Ouislane, Meknès