WiSER Pioneers Address Climate Challenges in Water-Stressed Morocco

Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER), a global initiative founded by the UAE’s sustainability leaders Masdar and the Zayed Sustainability Prize, has successfully wrapped up the latest installment of its WiSER Cares program.

Held in Marrakesh, the course titled “Adaptive Agriculture: Innovations in Technology and Practice for Water-Scarce Communities” is part of WiSER’s multidisciplinary effort to involve members in sustainable community development.

Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Masdar’s Executive Director of Brand & Strategic Initiatives and WiSER Program Director, highlighted the course’s impact on participants’ understanding of water access issues: “We are proud to offer the WiSER Cares course in Morocco as part of Masdar’s long-running effort to empower and equip young women with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead their communities and the world in building a more sustainable future.”

“Through our core pillars of education, engagement, and empowerment, WiSER Cares aims to provide courses that enhance the practical, theoretical, and leadership skills of women through cultural exchange and connections built on a sustainability lens that works to accelerate the clean energy transition in rural off-grid communities,” added Dr. Fawwaz.

The course, led by global and local experts, addressed three major climate challenges in the agriculture sector: water scarcity, soil degradation and erosion, and invasive pests and diseases. It brought together 18 women, including 13 WiSER Pioneers and 5 Moroccan professionals, to explore climate-resilient adaptive agriculture.

Key organizations involved included the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Fondation Mohammed VI Pour La Protection De L’Environnement, National Institute of Research in Agronomy (INRA) CRRA, Museum Mohammed VI for the Water Civilization, CIPA-Pierre Rabhi Farm, and Gardens of Jnane Tamsna.

Participants engaged in a program of lectures and practical exercises, including site visits to farms, research centers, and agribusinesses. This hands-on experience provided insights into the climate challenges faced by water-scarce communities and facilitated discussions on a variety of agriculture adaptation strategies aimed at tackling food insecurity and increasing economic independence.

“This course provided an invaluable opportunity to learn about the innovative approaches used by various communities, institutions, and pioneering civil organizations in adaptive agriculture and apply those lessons to real-world challenges,” said Tosin George, Solar Operations Consultant at Garfana Energy and 2024 WiSER Pioneer. “I will take many important learnings and insights back to my community, and this will help prepare us better for the climate challenges that we are facing.”

The program concluded with workshops on planting and harvesting, demonstrations of solar energy use for water pumping and conservation, and a visit to the Museum of the Water Civilization in Marrakesh, which focused on traditional water management and community engagement.

“We were thrilled to offer this immersive learning experience as part of the WiSER Cares initiative,” said Dr. Redouane Choukrallah, Senior Professor at the Agricultural Innovation and Technology Transfer Center (AIITC) and University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P). “Equipping the next generation of female leaders with the knowledge and tools to tackle climate challenges is crucial for building resilient, food-secure communities.”