What's Happening?
The World Bank has approved a $4 million grant to Morocco from the Livable Planet Fund to enhance the country's Transforming Agri-food Systems Program. This funding is an addition to the $250 million initially
approved in December 2024. The grant aims to support Morocco's rainfed cereal sector by addressing demand-side constraints faced by small- and medium-scale farmers. The program will benefit approximately 1,200 farmers across 20,000 hectares through digital e-vouchers, which will help reduce production costs by providing mechanization services and access to climate-resilient seeds. The initiative focuses on stabilizing yields, improving soil and water management, and reducing exposure to climate shocks that have affected Morocco's agricultural sector.
Why It's Important?
This grant is significant as it supports Morocco's efforts to transition to climate-smart agriculture, which is crucial given the country's vulnerability to consecutive droughts. By promoting conservation agriculture practices, the initiative aims to create more resilient production methods and improve market access for farmers. The program also seeks to enhance food and nutrition security, boost employment in cereal and legume value chains, and create green jobs in rural areas. The World Bank's involvement underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing climate change impacts on agriculture, particularly in regions like Morocco that are heavily reliant on rainfed farming systems.
What's Next?
The program will involve tracking adoption rates, measuring yield gains, monitoring farmer income increases, and quantifying climate mitigation benefits. The World Bank will provide technical assistance for the design and rollout of the e-voucher system, alongside impact evaluation support. This initiative is part of the broader AgriConnect initiative, which aims to enhance food security and employment in the agricultural sector. As Morocco continues to secure significant funding from the World Bank, it is expected to strengthen its partnership with the multilateral development institution and further its efforts in climate-smart agriculture.
