In the heart of Morocco, where the bustling city of Rabat meets the countryside, a silent revolution is taking root. Amidst the challenges of rising input costs, an aging workforce, and labor retention issues, a new study sheds light on the sustainability of organic versus conventional farming in peri-urban zones. Led by Fatiha Hakimi from the Department of Plant Production, Protection and Biotechnology at the Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, the research offers insights that could reshape agricultural practices and energy sector investments in similar regions worldwide.
Hakimi and her team assessed 30 farms—15 organic and 15 conventional—using the IDEA method, adapted to the local context. The study evaluated sustainability across agro-environmental, socio-territorial, and economic dimensions, employing a detailed grid with 18 indicators spanning nine components. The findings are compelling: organic farms outperform conventional ones in agro-environmental sustainability, thanks to their biodiversity and eco-friendly practices. “Organic farms benefit from short supply chains and organic labeling, which contribute to their long-term economic resilience,” Hakimi explains.
The study, published in Cogent Food & Agriculture, reveals that conventional farms, while more productive, face significant socio-territorial limitations. These include weak social engagement, inadequate infrastructure, and economic dependence on external inputs. This disparity highlights the potential of organic farming to enhance sustainability in peri-urban areas through environmental stewardship and economic resilience.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the world shifts towards sustainable practices, the demand for organic produce is on the rise. This trend could drive investments in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to support organic farming operations. Moreover, the reduced need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in organic farming could lower the energy footprint associated with agricultural production.
Hakimi suggests several policy measures to support this transition. These include support for organic certification, infrastructure investment, and socio-territorial development programs. “By fostering organic farming, we can create a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system that benefits both farmers and consumers,” she asserts.
The study’s insights are not just relevant to Morocco but to any peri-urban agricultural context facing similar challenges. As urbanization continues to encroach upon agricultural lands, the need for sustainable farming practices becomes ever more pressing. This research provides a roadmap for policymakers, investors, and farmers alike, offering a vision of a future where agriculture and urban development coexist harmoniously.
In the coming years, we may see a surge in organic farming initiatives in peri-urban zones, driven by the promise of sustainability and economic resilience. The energy sector, in turn, will play a crucial role in supporting this transition, investing in clean energy solutions that power the farms of the future. As Hakimi’s research demonstrates, the path to a sustainable future lies in the hands of those who dare to innovate and adapt.