Casablanca – Morocco is emerging as a major force in transforming African agriculture, spearheading a movement towards sustainable, regenerative farming practices that not only boost crop yields but also conserve vital water resources, improve soil health, and reduce carbon emissions. A recent report from the African Studies Center at Nanyang Technological University, published on January 20, 2025, sheds light on Morocco’s pivotal role in driving this change across the continent.

The rise of regenerative agriculture

Regenerative agriculture focuses on improving the health of soil through practices that promote biodiversity, enhance carbon sequestration, and reduce reliance on chemical inputs. It involves a range of techniques, including no-till farming, agroforestry, and crop rotation, all aimed at restoring and maintaining the ecological balance of agricultural landscapes. According to the report, Morocco has become a key player in this field, setting an example for the rest of Africa, where land degradation and desertification remain major challenges.

In the face of Africa’s harsh climate and soil depletion, Morocco’s adoption of regenerative farming practices has become essential. The report highlights that regenerative agriculture can enhance water use efficiency, increase crop yields, and boost the carbon storage capacity of soils. This approach has the potential to mitigate the effects of climate change, making it a critical component of Morocco’s agricultural policy moving forward.

A growing legacy in Morocco

Morocco’s leadership in regenerative agriculture is not an overnight success. It is the culmination of years of strategic planning and investment. The Plan Maroc Vert (Green Morocco Plan), launched in 2008, already put the country on the map as an agricultural leader in Africa, improving crop production, boosting agricultural exports, and creating thousands of jobs. This plan increased the value of Morocco’s agricultural exports by 117%, and by 2020, agriculture accounted for 21% of the country’s exports. This growth has provided a strong foundation for Morocco’s recent focus on sustainability.

The Génération Verte (Green Generation) Plan 2020-2030 builds on these achievements by prioritizing sustainable farming practices. The new plan aims to bring 400,000 agricultural households into the middle class, focusing on long-term ecological health and economic development for smallholder farmers. This shift aligns with Morocco’s broader vision of becoming a global leader in sustainable agriculture, with a focus on both local impact and international cooperation.

Al Moutmir: A key player in agricultural transformation

One of the standout initiatives driving Morocco’s regenerative agriculture efforts is Al Moutmir (the fruitful), a program that has transformed farming practices across the country. Al Moutmir is committed to promoting no-till farming, a practice where soil is not plowed, allowing microorganisms to thrive and reducing the loss of water and carbon emissions. This technique has already been successfully implemented across 32,710 hectares of Moroccan land, primarily cultivating grains and legumes.

In a significant achievement, Al Moutmir’s efforts have led to an average 30% increase in crop yields, despite the lower costs involved. The no-till method also protects vital soil microbiomes and helps conserve water, an essential resource in Morocco’s often arid climate. The program is operational in 23 regions across the country, benefiting more than 4,000 farmers. Its success is attributed to agricultural extension services, where experts work directly with farmers to ensure the transition to sustainable practices is smooth and effective.

OCP’s role in regenerative agriculture

Behind Morocco’s push for regenerative farming is the support of the OCP Group, a global leader in phosphate production. The OCP Group’s commitment to sustainability has extended beyond Morocco, with OCP Africa playing a crucial role in helping farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa adopt regenerative practices. In 2018, OCP Africa launched the Agri Booster program, which has since provided comprehensive agricultural solutions to over 630,000 farmers in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Senegal.

The Agri Booster program offers farmers access to better seeds, fertilizers, and technology, aimed at increasing crop productivity and improving livelihoods. In Nigeria, for example, maize production has increased by 48%, while in Senegal, millet yields have risen by 63%. Furthermore, the program has expanded the use of tailored fertilizers, customized to local soil conditions. In Ethiopia, OCP Africa’s production of NPS and NPS+ fertilizers addressed sulfur deficiencies, resulting in a 37% yield boost for local farmers.

Challenges and opportunities for the future

Despite Morocco’s success, engaging local farmers in regenerative agriculture across Africa remains a significant challenge. The report notes that while many African nations are eager to adopt sustainable farming practices, the transition from traditional to regenerative methods can be difficult. However, Morocco has addressed this by establishing companies focused on carbon-reducing agricultural solutions, making these techniques more accessible and financially viable for smallholder farmers.

The country’s investment in innovative technologies and sustainable farming solutions has positioned it as a model for African countries. The report suggests that now is the right time for Asian agricultural firms to collaborate with Moroccan companies, such as the OCP Group, to share successful technologies and adapt them for use in other parts of the world. This could create new opportunities for mutual growth between Africa and Asia in the field of sustainable agriculture.

Looking ahead: Morocco’s vision for the future

As climate change continues to impact agricultural productivity, Morocco’s efforts to champion regenerative agriculture could help secure food production and sustain the livelihoods of millions of farmers across Africa. The country’s leadership in this field aligns with global efforts to combat environmental degradation and improve food security, providing a blueprint for other nations to follow.

The success of Morocco’s regenerative agriculture initiatives, through Al Moutmir, OCP Africa, and the Génération Verte Plan, not only positions the country as a leader in African agriculture but also as a key player in the global movement toward sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices.

By fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge across borders, Morocco has set a new standard for agricultural innovation and sustainability, with the potential to transform farming practices across Africa and beyond.