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Towards Sustainable Vegetable Farming: Exploring Agroecological Alternatives to Chemical Products in the Fez-Meknes Region of Morocco

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  • Wijdane Rhioui

    (Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Engineering Environment, Department of Biology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30050, Morocco
    Department of Plant and Environment Protection, Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès, BP/S 40, Meknes 50001, Morocco)

  • Jamila Al Figuigui

    (Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Engineering Environment, Department of Biology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30050, Morocco)

  • Rachid Lahlali

    (Department of Plant and Environment Protection, Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès, BP/S 40, Meknes 50001, Morocco)

  • Salah-Eddine Laasli

    (Department of Plant and Environment Protection, Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès, BP/S 40, Meknes 50001, Morocco)

  • Abdellatif Boutagayout

    (Department of Plant and Environment Protection, Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès, BP/S 40, Meknes 50001, Morocco
    The Environment and Soil Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Sciences-Moulay Ismail University, B.P. 11201 Zitoune, Meknes 50000, Morocco)

  • Moussa El Jarroudi

    (Water, Environment and Development Unit, Department of Environmental Sciences and Management, UR SPHERES Research Unit, University of Liège, 6700 Arlon, Belgium)

  • Saâdia Belmalha

    (Department of Plant and Environment Protection, Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès, BP/S 40, Meknes 50001, Morocco)

Abstract

The use of excessive chemicals in agriculture can cause harm to the environment and human health. Sustainable agriculture systems promote agroecological practices to reduce chemical use and promote environmental and human health. However, there is a lack of data on the status of chemical use and the adoption of agroecological practices in the Fez-Meknes region, which is a significant national vegetable production area. To address this gap, we conducted cross-sectional surveys with 603 farmers to analyze their practices, behaviors, and knowledge regarding chemical and bio-product use, as well as the risks to crops, health, and the environment. Additionally, we aimed to diagnose the diffusion of agroecological practices and identify the most relevant obstacles and motivations for adoption. Our results indicate that a majority of farmers (95%) use chemicals throughout the production process but lack a good understanding of their use and associated risks. However, farmers do have access to alternative practices such as crop rotation (99.67%), manure (96.35%), drip irrigation (74.46%), and intercropping (69%). The success of these practices among farmers was a significant motivation for their adoption (50%), whereas the difficulties of managing pests and diseases without pesticides (73.2%) and the lack of technical advice and support (70.8%) were the main barriers to adoption. In conclusion, our study highlights the need for training and financial encouragement from the state to promote healthy and eco-friendly farming practices. This research provides valuable insights into the current status of chemical use and the adoption of agroecological practices in the Fez-Meknes region, which can inform policy decisions and promote sustainable agriculture practices for the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Wijdane Rhioui & Jamila Al Figuigui & Rachid Lahlali & Salah-Eddine Laasli & Abdellatif Boutagayout & Moussa El Jarroudi & Saâdia Belmalha, 2023. "Towards Sustainable Vegetable Farming: Exploring Agroecological Alternatives to Chemical Products in the Fez-Meknes Region of Morocco," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-23, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:9:p:7412-:d:1136901
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