Sustainability Days
On the occasion of World Soil Day, which takes place on December 5 each year, ICARDA is pleased to announce the organization of Sustainability Days, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), from December 3 to 5, 2024, in Rabat, under the theme " Towards Sustainable Soil and Water Management for Better Resilience of Agricultural Systems in Morocco."
The event is being held with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests (MAPMDREF), alongside a broad consortium of public and private stakeholders, including national institutions (ADA, ANDZOA, ONCA, IAV H II, ENAM, ENFI, UM6P/Al Moutmir, APNI, Tourba, etc.) and non-governmental organizations (AMSSOL, AIGR, AMAC, etc.).
Sustainability Days will bring together experts, researchers, policymakers, and students to explore innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture. The event will focus on strengthening local capacity in soil, water, and biodiversity conservation. It will also showcase cutting-edge agricultural practices, including direct seeding, optimized irrigation, and precision fertilization, all aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices and enhancing resilience in agricultural systems. Program of events below:
Tuesday, December 3, at the Palais des Congrès Bouregreg, Rabat
Opening remarks | |
09h30-10h30 | Opening speech by the MAPMDREF Opening speech by the FAO Morocco representative Opening speech by ICARDA Other opening remarks |
Plenary session | |
10h30-11h00 | Research contributions to the resilience of agricultural systems in Morocco Dr. Faouzi Bekkaoui, INRA Director |
11h00-11h20 | Coffee break |
11h20-11h35 | Productive soils under direct seeding in arid areas: Limits and potential Dr. Rachid Moussadek, ICARDA/INRA, chair GSP-NENA |
11h35-11h50 | Smart and low-pressure irrigation system in arid soils Dr. Vinay Nangia, ICARDA |
11h50-12h05 | Siltation of dams in Morocco: The case of the Northern region Pr. Mohamed Chikhaoui, IAV H II |
12h05-12h20 | Soil fertility in Morocco: Assessment and prospects Consortium (INRA, IAV, ENAM) |
12h20-12h40 | Towards a soil governance charter in Morocco Pr. Brahim Soudi, Environment and Sustainable Development Expert |
12h40-13h00 | Discussion |
13h00-14h00 | Lunch Break |
Breakout Session 1 | |
14h00-14h15 | Water and soil management in vulnerable areas: The case of oases ANDZOA/FAO/INRA |
14h15-14h30 | Solidarity-based agriculture for sustainable production in vulnerable areas ADA |
14h30-15h00 | Digital tools for improved adoption of best soil and water management practices by farmers (Ardna, GeoAgro Maroc, Resilink ) ONCA/ICARDA/INRA |
14h00-15h30 | Discussion |
Breakout Session 2 | |
14h00-14h15 | Crop diversification for enhanced resilience Dr Mina Devkota – ICARDA |
14h15-14h30 | Best Practices for Sustainable Water and Soil Management: The Case of Rice Cultivation INRA/IAV/UIT |
14h30-14h45 | Soil Health and Carbon Credit ICARDA/UM6P/Tourba/AMAC |
14h45-15h30 | Discussion |
15h30-16h00 | Wrap-up and Closing Remarks |
Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at IAV Hassan II - Madinat Al Irfane
Technical workshop for students on sustainable soil management practices
Thursday, December 5, 2024, World Soil Day Celebration – Marchouch Station
Field Visit | |
9H00-9H30 | Reception of participants
|
9H30 -13H00 | Visit to direct sowing platforms and agroecological trials |
13H00-14H00 | Lunch |