2021
Establishment of an agricultural advisory and training system for almond farmers in Taza
Farmers of Taza, Taounate and Moulay Yacoub and Their Organizations
Strengthening family farming and farmer organizations for more resilient territories in the Fès-Meknès region of Morocco
Technical Partner:
Annual Budget:
150,000 €
Context
At the heart of the rural areas of Fès-Meknès, between the Pre-Rif and Middle Atlas, family farming plays a key role in the economic and social life of rural communities. Farms are generally small and largely dependent on rainfall. Their activities mainly combine cereal production, livestock farming and fruit growing.
These areas are particularly exposed to the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures, more frequent droughts and increasingly irregular rainfall are weakening crops and livestock systems, increasing water stress and accelerating soil degradation and erosion.
These challenges are compounded by economic and social constraints, including limited access to advisory services and training, inputs and equipment, difficulties in financing and adding value to agricultural products, labor shortages and the departure of many young people. FOs also remain fragile, even though they can play an important role in improving access to services and strengthening collective initiatives.
Fert has been active in Morocco since the 1990s and now focuses its work in the Fès-Meknès region. Since 2025, Fert has built a structured partnership with Fert Maroc, enabling long-term support that remains close to farmers’ needs.
Partnership Objectives
- Strengthen advisory services and training to help farmers improve their practices and farm performance
- Support the agroecological transition and help farms adapt to climate change
- Develop local agricultural services, including access to inputs and equipment, skilled labor and post-harvest management
- Strengthen collective dynamics within FOs to ensure the sustainable management of services adapted to farmers’ needs
Key moments
Our Impact
600
farmers supported,
including 400
young people
47
active lead farmers
+145 %
increase in yields and +115% increase in margins on almond demonstration orchards in Taza over four cropping seasons
14,000 €
worth of agroecological inputs and seedlings purchased collectively
Key Results in 2025
✦ 248 practical training sessions, visits and end-of-season reviews
✦ 29 trials supporting the agroecological transition
✦ + 25 % increase in group purchases compared with 2024
✦ 5,000 rosemary seedlings produced in a collective nursery
✦ + 55 % average weight gain in fattened calves among some livestock farmers in Taounate
Fert Maroc : Annual Report 2025
“Before, I worked a lot, but I did not always see the results of my efforts. My livestock farming was managed in a rather uncertain way. (…) With the support I received, I started changing my practices. Through early weaning, for example, I start getting my calves used to feed from the first week. Gradually, I introduce a balanced diet and reduce the amount of milk they consume until they are fully weaned at three months.
Today, I can clearly see the difference. (…) For me, this is not just a technical improvement. It represents a real change in the way I work and how I see my profession. Today, I feel like a real livestock farmer. This change has encouraged me to invest more in my activity. It has also given hope to my daughter, who recently graduated and is beginning to take an interest in livestock farming and consider it as a future career.”
