Biochar and Resilience: Innovating for a Sustainable Future in Ait M’hamed

The Central High Atlas, particularly the commune of Ait Mhammed, is an ecosystem rich in biodiversity and culture. This mountainous region is home to cedar forests and rare species, as well as communities practicing sustainable traditional agriculture. This project aims to introduce innovative solutions to help the communities of Ait M’hamed adapt to climate change by converting local organic waste into biochar. Biochar, a plant-based charcoal produced through the pyrolysis of diverse organic biomass, has a low carbon impact and helps improve soil quality.

Through an analysis conducted in collaboration with experts, the ASKA association has identified agricultural plots and forest areas where demonstrations on the use of biochar and wood vinegar will be carried out. In the first six months of the project, a comprehensive mapping of priority areas will be completed, accompanied by an action plan to integrate biochar and its by-products into local agriculture. A biochar production unit will be established, and approximately 8,000 biochar-based plants will be transplanted into selected plots.

The project goes beyond just biochar production; it also aims to enhance the resilience of agropastoralists in Ait M’hamed. In addition to the plants, 30 types of seeds will be stored in a community seed bank, and 10 plots will be restored using biochar. The biochar production machine is currently under construction with local materials.

The project includes training and workshops to raise awareness among the local population about biochar use, aiming to inform 80% of local stakeholders about its benefits for biodiversity conservation and soil quality improvement. To ensure the sustainability of results, collaboration will be established with schools, local associations, and the Ait M’hamed municipal council, which will receive technical support to integrate environmental actions into its 2022-2027 development plan. Training on the production and use of biochar will be organized throughout the project.

Project Information:

  • Association: Aska Association for Women and Children
  • Project Amount: €29,993.70
  • Execution Period: 22 months
  • Contact: +212 668048155
  • Address: The commune of Ait M’hamed, province of Azilal
  • Email: aska.association@gmail.com
  • Project Photos: the Flickr link to the project album https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB47Bx

By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and raising awareness among local stakeholders, this project contributes to environmental protection while improving the quality of life for local communities.

This project is implemented as part of the third phase of the Small Initiatives Program for Northern African NGOs (PPI OSCAN), coordinated by the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, and funded by the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM), the MAVA Foundation, and the Sigrid Rausing Trust. The subsidized projects aim to conserve species and ecosystems with remarkable biodiversity and to enhance the benefits of conservation and sustainable livelihoods. For more information on PPI OSCAN 3 projects, visit: 5. Projects – MUBADARAT (mubadarat-uicn.org).