FAO and ICA collaborate to launch a new initiative for cooperatives in North Africa
FAO and ICA Convene in Casablanca to Empower Cooperatives Across NENA Region
Casablanca, Morocco – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) organized a high-level strategic meeting from January 28 to 31, focusing on empowering cooperatives to drive rural and agrifood system transformations across the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region.
The event, held in Casablanca, brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, cooperative leaders, and development experts. Discussions centered on creating better opportunities for cooperatives through improved policies, capacity-building initiatives, and sustainable development strategies to address pressing challenges such as food security, climate change, and rural economic inequalities.
Ms Aicha Errifaai, Director General of the Office of Cooperation Development (ODCO), speaking at the dialogue, highlighted the transformative power of Moroccan cooperatives, which she described as “true drivers of social and economic transformation.” Ms.Errifaai shared insights on Morocco’s successful cooperative models during a panel titled “Cooperative Identity in the NENA Region: Challenges and Opportunities for Development – The Moroccan Case.”
Ms. Errifaai also moderated the plenary session dedicated to exploring the essential role of cooperatives in reshaping rural and agrifood systems. “The first day offered a valuable opportunity to share our vision and showcase Morocco’s inspiring example. The roadmap established as a key outcome of this dialogue represents a pivotal step in strengthening the cooperative sector across the NENA region,” she noted.
Jaouad Bahaji, Director-General of Morocco’s National Office of Agricultural Council, emphasized the role of cooperatives in reducing social inequalities and fostering rural economic opportunities. Similarly, Ahmad Mukhtar, FAO’s Senior Economist for the NENA region, highlighted the strong partnership between FAO and ICA, underscoring a recently signed memorandum of understanding to position cooperatives at the core of the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Balu Iyer, ICA’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, described cooperatives as “agents of transformation,” praising their ability to foster inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration.
The event featured a poster exhibition showcasing innovative cooperative models and a compendium of successful practices from the region. Attendees also visited local cooperatives to witness firsthand their operations and hear from cooperative leaders about their successes and challenges.
The meeting concluded with the establishment of a comprehensive roadmap for collaboration among governments, cooperatives, and development partners. This roadmap aims to guide joint actions, policy development, and long-term partnerships to support the transformation of rural and agrifood systems in the NENA region.
Participants expressed optimism that the roadmap and subsequent initiatives will strengthen cooperative networks and promote sustainable growth across the region.
