Morocco is set to significantly boost its inclusive solidarity agriculture programs with a landmark €100 million financing agreement from the European Investment Bank (EIB). This crucial funding, channeled through the Crédit Agricole du Maroc (CAM) group, underscores Morocco’s commitment to empowering rural women and youth, fostering sustainable development, and driving the ambitious “Green Generation 2020-2030” strategy forward.
By the Numbers
- Financing Amount: €100 million (equivalent to approximately 1.1 billion Moroccan Dirhams).
- Key Beneficiaries: Women and youth in rural and mountainous areas.
- Strategic Alignment: Morocco’s “Green Generation 2020-2030” strategy.
- Projected Impact: Enhanced agricultural productivity, job creation, income generation, and improved living conditions for target populations.
Strategic Partnership for Rural Empowerment
The financing agreement was formally signed by Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Mohamed Sadiki, and EIB Vice-President Ricardo Mourinho Félix, during the recent annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. This partnership reinforces a long-standing collaboration between Morocco and the EIB, with the Crédit Agricole du Maroc group serving as the key financial intermediary responsible for deploying these funds to eligible beneficiaries across the Kingdom.
Fueling the Green Generation Strategy
This substantial investment directly supports the core objectives of Morocco’s “Green Generation 2020-2030” strategy. The national vision aims to consolidate the achievements of the previous Green Morocco Plan by prioritizing human capital development, promoting sustainable and resilient agriculture, and fostering inclusive value chains. By focusing on solidarity agriculture, the initiative seeks to integrate vulnerable populations into the economic fabric, ensuring that the benefits of agricultural growth are widely shared, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
Empowering Women and Youth in Agriculture
A central pillar of this financing is the empowerment of women and youth in rural communities. The funds will facilitate their access to crucial financial resources, enabling them to launch or expand agricultural projects, adopt modern farming techniques, and participate in value-added activities. This focus recognizes the vital role these demographics play in driving agricultural innovation, ensuring food security, and contributing to overall rural prosperity. By providing targeted support, Morocco is actively working to reduce gender inequalities and create meaningful economic opportunities for its younger generation in the agricultural sector.
Beyond Funding: A Holistic Approach
The initiative extends beyond mere financial allocation. It emphasizes a holistic approach that includes technical assistance, capacity building, and integration into existing agricultural value chains. The objective is to ensure that beneficiaries are not only funded but also equipped with the necessary skills and market connections to achieve sustainable success. This comprehensive strategy aims to enhance the resilience of small-scale farmers and cooperatives, fostering climate-smart practices and promoting sustainable resource management.
About Crédit Agricole du Maroc (CAM) Group
As the primary financial institution for agriculture and rural development in Morocco, the Crédit Agricole du Maroc (CAM) group plays a pivotal role in implementing this agreement. With its deep understanding of the agricultural sector and extensive network across rural areas, CAM is uniquely positioned to identify, support, and monitor projects that align with the objectives of the “Green Generation” strategy. The group’s mission is to contribute to the economic and social development of rural Morocco by providing tailored financial solutions and expert guidance to farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Rural Future
This €100 million financing represents a significant stride towards realizing Morocco’s vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agricultural sector. By investing in women and youth, and strengthening solidarity agriculture, the Kingdom is laying the groundwork for increased productivity, enhanced food sovereignty, and improved livelihoods in rural areas. This strategic direction is expected to mitigate rural exodus, foster local economic dynamism, and further solidify Morocco’s position as a leader in sustainable agricultural development within the MENA region.
Source: Assahraa.ma
