Morocco contains a unique array of agro-ecosystems with corresponding crop genetic diversity. Three agro-ecological zones have been selected for the in situ project: (1) Demnate/Tanante region, in the province of Azilal, Direction Provinciale del’Agricuture (DPA) in the high Atlas, (2) Valley of Ziz-Tafilalte, Errachidia Office Regional de Mise en Valeur Agricole (ORMVA) in the oasis area, and (3) Taza DPA/Chefchaouen DPA in the Rif and Pre-Rif Mountain area. Priority crops to be included for study in this project are barley (Hordeum vulgare), durum wheat (Triticum turgidum), faba bean (Vicia faba), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and bread wheat (Triticum aestivum). These crops were selected on the basis of their economic importance, the appreciation of landraces by local farmers, as indicated by adaptation for abiotic stresses, grain and straw quality, and special uses in preparing local dishes, the availability of scientific data showing the existence of genetic diversity of these crops, and the extent of threat to their diversity by the extension of newly released cultivars. 

Farmer with turnip landrace

Alfalfa, faba bean, and barley farming system

Farmers and researchers meeting in Morocco