The Center of Environmental Issues and Regional Development is pleased to invite you to a Conference / Debate animated by:
ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT FROM INTENSIVE AGRICULTURE IN MOROCCO
Abstract :
To satisfy the increasing needs for food and nutrients of fast growing populations in developing countries, considerable efforts are deployed to develop intensive farming practices such as irrigation, the use of fertilizers and chemicals, mechanization, and the adaptation of non-conventional cropping systems to the local conditions.
In Morocco, the intensification of basic food production (cereals, leguminous) resulted in a significant yield increase and the improvement of revenues in rural areas. Yet, a stronger intensification materialized in the production of industrial crops (sugar beet, sugarcane...) and especially high-cash-value unconventional crops such as bananas and strawberries. Economic benefits of this type of production were a high-added value, the creation of employment, a crucial factor in a country suffering from high unemployment rates, and, most importantly, the procurement of hard currency thru export.
Nevertheless, this significant economic success has not been without a high environmental price. In fact, the intensification of agricultural production, especially unconventional cropping systems requires unavoidably high inputs of energy, irrigation water, fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs (greenhouses...). Moreover, for diverse reasons, the intensification rarely respects scientific recommendation for natural resources and environmental management, aggravating thus the risk of environmental degradation.
In this communication, the impacts of intensive agriculture on the environment are outlined and discussed. Assessment methods to emphasize the gravity of the situation are presented and recommendations for a better environmental conservation and a sustainable agriculture are suggested.
Dr Mohamed Mrini is the head of the Technical Center of Sugar Plants. He is also the Coordinator of Research and Development at ORMVAG, the agricultural authority of the Gharb region. In this position, Dr Mrini coordinates scientific relations and research projects with partners on a national and international level. His research interests focus on natural resources utilization and environmental impacts assessment. His PhD thesis, prepared jointly at IAV Hassan II (Morocco) and Cornell University (USA) dealt with energy and environmental analysis of sugar production in Morocco. In addition to a PhD in Applied Industrial Engineering, Dr Mrini has a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Louisiana State University and an Engineering Degree in Food Technology. Dr Mrini is the author of several publications and communications in international conferences.