RATIN

Morocco, Brazil See Common Ground in Fight Against Hunger

Posted on May, 24, 2024 at 09:15 am


Rabat - Morocco and Brazil are finding common ground in the fight against hunger, with both nations emphasizing food security in Africa. This shared focus could pave the way for a “solid and concrete partnership,” according to Morocco’s ambassador to Brazil, Nabil Adghoghi.

Adghoghi spoke at Brazil’s Foreign Ministry on Africa Day, highlighting the alignment between President Lula da Silva’s newly launched Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and Morocco’s long-standing commitment to food security on the continent.

“The initiative of President Lula,” remarked Adghoghi, “perfectly aligns with the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, whose African policy has always made food security a strategic priority.”

Adghoghi emphasizes the urgency of the situation, pointing to Africa’s burgeoning population and the projected food security challenges by 2050. He acknowledged the low agricultural productivity and high import reliance in Africa, which is further strained by climate change.

Despite the difficulties, Adghoghi underscored Africa’s proactive approach. He cited recent conferences in Rabat and Nairobi that addressed agricultural adaptation and fertilizer use.

Morocco, he said, is actively sharing its expertise through initiatives like the creation of an African Consortium for Agricultural Innovation and partnerships with the World Bank.

Morocco’s contributions extend beyond knowledge sharing. The Moroccan Phosphates Office (OCP) has become a major supplier of fertilizers and agricultural know-how in Africa.

OCP has established production facilities across the continent and deployed mobile laboratories to provide on-the-ground support. A recent partnership with the World Bank aims to empower millions of West African farmers.

Adghoghi also commended Brazil’s remarkable transformation from a food importer to a major exporter. Brazil’s significant increase in grain production achieved with minimal land use expansion serves as a valuable model for Africa, he noted.

With Brazil’s extensive experience and Africa’s commitment to self-sufficiency, Adghoghi expressed optimism for a strong partnership.

The shared focus on food security, coupled with Morocco’s experience and Brazil’s agricultural expertise, creates a promising opportunity for a collaborative effort to address hunger in Africa.

Source: Morocco World News