Morocco, Australia expand climate-resilient agriculture research partnership
New scientific cooperation targets sustainable farming, water efficiency, and food security across Africa
RABAT, Morocco (MNTV) — Morocco’s National Institute for Agronomic Research (INRA) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) have signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen scientific cooperation on sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
The agreement, signed in Rabat by INRA Director Lamiae Ghaouti and ACIAR Research Program Manager Rita Ritchie, was concluded during an official Australian delegation visit led by Ambassador Damian Donovan, according to Morocco World News.
The partnership falls under the Africa–Australia Partnership for Climate Responsive Agriculture, a multi-year initiative aimed at strengthening farming system resilience and improving food security through joint research and capacity building.
The program is funded at about $76.4 million over six years and links African and Australian research institutions.
Under the agreement, the two institutes will launch joint research projects, expand training programs, promote knowledge exchange, and foster scientific innovation. Officials said the collaboration will also support stronger professional networks and the practical application of research findings to enhance agricultural productivity.
Priority research areas include climate-resilient farming systems, water-use efficiency, drought management, pasture management, and conservation agriculture, which are considered critical for regions facing increasing climate variability, water scarcity, and extreme weather risks.
The cooperation aligns with Morocco’s “Generation Green 2020–2030” agricultural strategy, which seeks to modernize agricultural value chains, boost productivity, and strengthen resilience to climate stress.
Moroccan authorities have emphasized the need for international technical partnerships to address structural climate challenges in the country’s largely arid agricultural environment.
The Africa–Australia initiative focuses on inclusive agricultural development, including strengthening women’s participation and supporting local innovation systems.
It targets North and West African countries, including Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, and Nigeria, with the goal of developing locally adapted, climate-smart agricultural solutions.
Officials said the research collaboration is expected to help farmers adopt sustainable practices, improve productivity, and protect natural resources while supporting broader international efforts to enhance climate resilience and long-term food security.
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