The Issue:

The semi-arid landscapes of Al Haouz Province are increasingly affected by drought, deforestation, and land degradation, leading to significant declines in soil fertility, water retention, and vegetation cover. Overgrazing and climate change have exacerbated the problem, rendering pastureland less productive and pushing local communities—especially women—into deeper economic insecurity. In 2023, a powerful earthquake further devastated the region, destroying agricultural infrastructure, displacing families, and making the need for sustainable, regenerative land management even more urgent. Traditional pastoral systems, once in balance with the ecosystem, now face collapse without intervention that blends ecological restoration with community empowerment.

Women, who are central to agricultural work in this region, are often excluded from formal land ownership and decision-making. Yet they are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and bear much of the burden of food insecurity. Supporting them with training, resources, and access to markets is key to building long-term resilience and reversing desertification trends. At the same time, the Al Haouz region presents a compelling opportunity: with targeted support, degraded pastureland could be transformed into a carbon sink and biodiversity haven, while improving livelihoods and local food systems.

 Grant Award Use:

The ATCF grant will fund the training of 25 local women in regenerative agriculture and rotational grazing techniques, alongside the purchase of livestock fencing and restoration materials such as native seeds and compost. Funds will also support educational workshops on climate-smart farming, environmental monitoring, and the development of a cooperative market platform to sell pasture-raised products. The project combines scientific expertise with Indigenous land knowledge to ensure that restoration practices are ecologically appropriate and community-led. By centering women in this process, the initiative strengthens both environmental and social resilience.

 What Would a Successful Project Result In?

A successful project would result in visibly restored pastureland, increased plant and soil health, and a functioning cooperative of trained women producing and marketing sustainable livestock products. It would reduce erosion and desertification, enhance local biodiversity, and serve as a model for women-led climate adaptation in arid regions.