The National Agency for the Development of Oasis and Argan Zones (ANDZOA) has launched a new series of strategic development projects in the Aoufous and Rteb oases, located in Errachidia Province, as part of the Sustainable Management of Oasis Ecosystems in Morocco Project (PROGEDOM). These initiatives are aligned with Morocco’s strategy to preserve oasis ecosystems, promote sustainable territorial development, and improve the living conditions of local communities.
A field visit covered five project sites showcasing initiatives that combine environmental protection, local economic development, and enhanced social infrastructure.
As part of its human capital development efforts, ANDZOA inaugurated two synthetic turf sports fields in Zrigat and the Aoufous town center, representing a total investment of more than MAD 1.75 million. These facilities are expected to provide modern sports infrastructure for young people while promoting social cohesion and community engagement.
To support the preservation of oasis ecosystems, the Agency inaugurated a collection and management center for palm tree waste in Zrigat. The facility aims to reduce the risk of fires, improve the management of agricultural waste, and generate new employment opportunities for local residents.
ANDZOA also commissioned a palm waste valorization unit for the benefit of the Al Bour Cooperative, enabling the transformation of palm residues into value-added products in line with the principles of the circular economy and sustainable resource management.
These achievements form part of a broader program that includes the creation of 13 community facilities and the equipment of 16 cooperatives and associations, with a total budget of MAD 5 million.
In the field of sustainable tourism, the Agency launched the “Ziz Vélo – Aoufous Oasis” project, the first cycling tourism initiative in the Drâa-Tafilalet region. The project aims to showcase the natural and cultural heritage of the oasis, diversify the region’s tourism offering, create new economic opportunities, and train local cycling tour guides.
In addition, ANDZOA donated a minibus to the Aoufous Sports Club to facilitate transportation for athletes, coaches, and technical staff.
The PROGEDOM program also includes infrastructure projects worth more than MAD 25 million, focusing on the modernization of irrigation systems, water resource mobilization, the construction of wells and communal water reservoirs, and the development of a model marketplace for the marketing of dates and other local products in the center of Aoufous.
Furthermore, dedicated programs will support youth entrepreneurship and the economic empowerment of women in oasis communities, contributing to job creation and inclusive local development.
Through these initiatives, ANDZOA reaffirms its commitment to promoting integrated and sustainable development in Morocco’s oasis regions by protecting natural ecosystems, enhancing the value of local resources, strengthening the social and solidarity economy, and improving the resilience and attractiveness of these unique territories.
