Latest news with #AhmedElBouari
Ya Biladi
3 hours ago
- Health
- Ya Biladi
Morocco proposes international fund to tackle Africa's food insecurity
Is it still appropriate to speak of progress when, in 2024, 670 million people worldwide are undernourished? This staggering figure, drawn from the latest joint report by the FAO, WHO, and WFP, hints at a slight global improvement but masks stark regional inequalities. In Africa, the situation is deteriorating. The continent alone is home to 307 million people suffering from chronic undernourishment, making up over 20% of its population. This percentage has been on the rise for several years. Africa's vulnerability is primarily due to the fact that in many countries, more than half of the food supply is imported. This, as Lorine Azoulai from CCFD-Terre Solidaire explains, «hinders their ability to develop local production». She adds, «To glimpse any prospects, they must emancipate themselves at least somewhat from international markets». A minor disruption in global markets, a drought, or a war can cause the entire system to collapse. Speculation, geopolitical tensions, and climate change offer no respite. Regional Disparities The same grim reality is evident in certain parts of the Middle East. In Syria, nearly 40% of the population lacks sufficient food, one of the highest rates globally. In Palestine, starvation is wielded as a weapon of war against civilians. The WHO reports a «peak in deaths in July». While the UN report may not detail this acute crisis, the shadow of the enclave looms over every discussion. Forecasts are equally alarming: by 2030, 512 million people could be living with chronic undernourishment, with nearly 60% of them in Africa. A Response from Africa, for Africa Against this backdrop, Morocco proposed a clear initiative on Monday, July 28, in Addis Ababa: the creation of an international fund dedicated exclusively to African food security. Rabat sees this as a crucial lever to bolster the continent's food sovereignty, as outlined by Ahmed El Bouari, Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, during the second review of the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS+4). In light of dwindling development aid, particularly following the abrupt cessation of the USAID program that supported 45 million people, this fund aims to be a response from Africa, designed for Africa. The minister underscored the importance of responsible financing, equitable access to food, and inclusive governance. He argued that it is no longer enough to adapt agricultural systems to the climate; there must be a profound transformation in the logic of food supply chains. Morocco claims to have experienced this transformation with its Generation Green 2020–2030 strategy, which combines human investment, ecological transition, and social justice. With this proposal, Morocco aims to put the right to food at the forefront of international discussions. The challenge is not just to feed people but to restore countries' ability to determine their agriculture and future. A collective response is essential. The Kingdom is indeed banking on South-South cooperation, already in motion through royal initiatives like the Adaptation of African Agriculture. Moreover, Morocco advocates for a reimagined multilateral solidarity, one less reliant on major Western donors and more grounded in regional realities. The Forgotten Faces of Hunger Hunger has faces, and they are often the same. Women, children, and isolated rural families are the hardest hit. In some regions, an entire generation is growing up with empty stomachs. In 2023, over 30% of women aged 15 to 49 suffered from anemia, and the gap with men continues to widen. «Hunger and malnutrition are political», economist Raj Patel reminds us. «There is no other way to explain why women are more affected than men», he adds. And yet, there is an explanation. Hunger is not only political; it is also social and deeply linked to imposed roles, as the NGO Action Against Hunger highlights. In some regions, women cannot own land or access resources without a man's approval. Their work—collecting water, feeding the family, caring for children and the elderly, cooking, and tending to the sick—is invisible, domestic, and daily, yet neither remunerated nor recognized. When tensions rise, they bear the brunt of the violence, sometimes forced to trade their dignity for a bit of food. However, alternatives are emerging. In Nigeria, the Porridge Moms program enables mothers to cook together, learn, and most importantly, regain control over what they eat. In Kenya, gardens near wells reduce dependency. Elsewhere, women become business leaders through simple access to tools. Fighting hunger also means empowering women to feed themselves and others. The good news is that the continent will be in the spotlight this fall. The G20, COP30 in Brazil (November 10 – November 21, 2025), the World Committee for Food Security... There will be no shortage of platforms. But the African voice must be strong, clear, and driven by well-defined priorities.
Morocco World
11-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Invests $300 Million to Rebuild National Herd
Rabat – The Moroccan government will introduce a new support plan for livestock breeders to improve their working conditions and sustainably rebuild the national herd. Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari shared the news on Tuesday at the House of Councillors. He explained that the plan adds to earlier efforts and comes at a moment when recent rainfall offers a rare window to revive livestock numbers after several difficult seasons. El Bouari outlined five main pillars that will shape the new approach. The first focuses on easing the debt load of small and medium-scale breeders. The government will allocate MAD 700 million ($70 million) to restructure loans for nearly 50,000 farmers. Half of all debts under MAD 100,000 ($10,000) will be cancelled, a measure that benefits about three-quarters of eligible breeders. A quarter of the loans, ranging between MAD 100,000 ($10,000) and MAD 200,000 ($20,000), will also be forgiven. For those with larger debts, the government will reschedule payments and waive late penalties. The second pillar deals with the cost of feed, one of the most urgent problems breeders face. Authorities will set barley prices at MAD 1.5 ($0.15) per kilogram, capped at 7 million quintals. Compound feed for sheep and goats will cost no more than MAD 2 ($0.20) per kilogram, again with a volume limit. This effort requires an estimated MAD 2.5 billion ($250 million) and seeks to ease financial pressure ahead of key livestock cycles. The third part of the program targets breeding females, especially as concerns rise over illegal slaughter. The state will grant MAD 400 ($40) for every female sheep or goat that breeders register and keep for reproduction. Officials hope this direct support will cover upkeep costs and discourage early slaughter, which undermines future herd stability. El Bouari also announced a nationwide animal health campaign as the fourth measure. The government will allocate MAD 150 million ($15 million) to protect 17 million sheep and goats from diseases that tend to spread more aggressively during dry periods. The fifth and final measure turns to long-term resilience. Breeders will receive technical guidance and support for genetic improvement through artificial insemination programs and advisory services. The government plans to invest MAD 50 million ($5 million) in this effort. El Bouari estimated the total cost of the new program at MAD 3 billion ($300 million) by the end of 2025. The government has also set aside an additional MAD 3.2 billion ($320 million) for 2026 to reward breeders who manage to keep their reproductive females. This year, Eid al-Adha sacrifice was called off in Morocco, largely due to the severe drought that has gripped the country for six consecutive years, and which has heavily impacted the national cattle. These measures strive to reverse the current decline and steer the sector toward recovery. Still, while the efforts are commendable, one must ask: are they sufficient to truly relieve the pressure? Tags: breedersCattleMorocco agriculturenational herd
Ya Biladi
28-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan olive oil triumphs globally : Top producers honored at Rabat ceremony
The award ceremony honoring Moroccan olive oil producers who distinguished themselves in prestigious international competitions in 2025 was held on Tuesday in Rabat, under the presidency of the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari. Among those recognized were the Zoyout Essaouira Cooperative, winner of gold medals at the international olive oil competitions in Geneva, Miami, Abu Dhabi, and Istanbul; the Nour Mejjat Cooperative, which received a silver medal in Istanbul; and the Oléa Capital Company, awarded a gold medal in Athens and a platinum medal in Istanbul. This event celebrated the exceptional achievements of these Moroccan producers, who have set themselves apart through their dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability. It also reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting the sector's stakeholders and consolidating Morocco's position as a global leader in olive oil production. In his remarks, Ahmed El Bouari praised the laureates for their dedication and their exemplary contribution to a sustainable and efficient agricultural sector. He emphasized that the sector's growth is reflected in the recognition of Morocco's top olive-growing cooperatives and companies. The minister also highlighted the invaluable contributions of the men and women who drive the dynamism of the national agricultural sector and actively promote Moroccan products on the international stage. For his part, Rachid Benali, president of the Moroccan Olive Interprofession (Interprolive), underscored the importance of international recognition for Moroccan olive oil producers, noting its positive impact in inspiring farmers and industry professionals across the country. He further commended the efforts of Moroccan professionals who have managed to stand out globally, reinforcing the reputation of Moroccan olive oil—a true symbol of ancestral expertise and universally recognized quality.
Ya Biladi
23-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco to spend 6.2 billion dirhams on livestock replenishment program
Morocco will allocate 6.2 billion dirhams to a livestock replenishment program aimed at reviving herds severely affected by years of drought, Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari announced on Thursday. Spanning 2025–2026, the program will dedicate 3 billion dirhams in 2025 and 3.2 billion in 2026. It includes measures such as debt relief and restructuring for livestock farmers, as well as subsidies for animal feed, Bouari said during a press briefing following the Government Council meeting in Rabat. The program will also support farmers who retain breeding female livestock and will include veterinary campaigns, genetic improvement, and artificial insemination efforts, he added. On May 12, during a Council of Ministers, King Mohammed VI urged the government to implement a livestock replenishment program, emphasizing that support operations should be managed by committees under the supervision of local authorities. This initiative follows the King's February 26 message, in which he urged Moroccans to forgo the Eid Al-Adha sacrifice due to the country's ongoing economic and climate-related hardships that have led to a sharp decline in livestock numbers.
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Morocco to spend $670mln to replenish livestock up to 2026
RABAT - Morocco plans to spend 6.2 billion dirhams ($670 mln) on a 2025-2026 programme to replenish its livestock herd, which has been reduced following years of prolonged drought, agriculture minister Ahmed El Bouari said on Thursday. Six years of drought caused mass job losses in the farming sector and reduced the cattle and sheep herds by 38% this year, compared to the last census nine years ago. Under the recovery programme, 3 billion dirhams will be allocated in 2025 and 3.2 billion next year to measures including debt relief and restructuring for livestock farmers, as well as feed subsidies, Bouari told reporters. The government also includes aid to farmers who retain breeding female livestock, along with veterinary campaigns, genetic improvement and artificial insemination, he said. In February, authorities asked citizens to forgo the ritual of slaughtering sheep on the Eid Adha this year, to help restore the sheep herd. (Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
