Thailand Transfers Solar Dryer Technology to Morocco to Strengthen Agricultural Resilience and Advance Sustainable Development Goals

The Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) formally handed over a Parabolic Greenhouse Solar Dryer (Parabola Dome Dryer) to Cadi Ayyad University and the Tiwizi Association, under the framework of the Thailand–Morocco Sustainable Community Development Project.

The technology transfer marks a major milestone in renewable energy cooperation between the two nations, with the solar dryer expected to enhance food preservation practices and generate income for rural farmers in Morocco. The handover ceremony was led by Mr. Chulvat Narinthrangura, Director-General of TICA, and received by Mr. Mohamed Hafidi, Vice President of Cadi Ayyad University. Also present were H.E. Mr. Fabio Chinda, Ambassador of Thailand to Morocco, Mr. Hassan Edderjoun, President of the Tiwizi Association, and Thai renewable energy specialists from Silpakorn University.

The project aims to improve the quality of life for local communities through renewable energy applications in agriculture. The Parabola Dome Dryer, developed by Silpakorn University, enables the hygienic and efficient solar drying of agricultural products such as dates, apricots, and prunes—crops commonly processed by traditional methods in rural areas around Marrakesh. The technology is designed to reduce crop losses, enhance food safety, and support income diversification.

This initiative directly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including food security, clean energy access, sustainable communities, and climate action. It also reflects the principles of South–South Cooperation, promoting knowledge exchange and capacity-building between developing countries.

The collaboration originated in 2017, after Cadi Ayyad University expressed interest in Thailand’s solar drying innovations following a 2016 international conference in Japan on renewable energy for agriculture. A formal request for technical cooperation was later submitted by the Moroccan side to the Thai government.

While the project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 earthquake near Marrakesh, close coordination and mutual commitment between Thailand and Morocco ensured its successful implementation. The completed handover stands as a symbol of enduring partnership and shared commitment to sustainable development through practical, community-based solutions.