History

On January 26 and 27, 2013, actors of agroecology in Morocco organized the First National Meetings of the Network of Agroecological Initiatives in Morocco. These days highlighted agroecology as an alternative to the massive degradation of food resources, food insecurity, poverty, and the migration of rural populations to urban centers. It was seen as a solution for a country like Morocco, where agriculture remains mostly family-based, and over 90% of the territory is affected by aridity.

During these first national meetings, RIAM clarified its objectives, namely to become an information and communication platform for agroecology actors, to address their issues by organizing exchanges, training, capitalizing, and pooling resources.

A broad debate was held regarding the network’s structure. In Salé, more than 150 participants officially formed the network at the end of the two days of exchanges and reflections, establishing it as an informal, dynamic, and diverse network, coordinated nationally, with open participation. Various working groups were formed based on the network’s priority areas, including governance, funding, communication, and concrete initiatives led by its members, such as permaculture, beekeeping, local solidarity partnerships between producers and consumers (PLSPC), agri-tourism (accommodation and catering), urban agriculture, etc.

After two and a half years as an informal network, RIAM decided to evolve into a legally constituted network as an association (Dahir 1958). The general assembly of June 29, 2015, adopted the association’s statutes and elected its first Strategic Orientation Committee (2015/2017) for two years.

During the first two years, the focus was on raising awareness across the country. In 2016 and 2017, RIAM organized 8 regional forums on sustainable agriculture, which culminated in 2018 with the National Forum for Agroecological Transition. A Collection of Experiences, Best Practices, and Short Circuits between sustainable agriculture producers and consumers was published.

RIAM also developed and implemented, based on specifications (vegetable production, beekeeping, poultry farming), a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), under the name Agroecology Morocco. This project was supported by CIRAD for the pilot area of Rabat. It allows the certification of farms and gardens each year (26 in October 2019). Producers in the Marrakech region also organized to adopt the PGS with some adaptations to the agricultural and climatic context.

RIAM also supported the emergence of 4 eco-solidarity farmers’ markets in Rabat, Mohammédia, Casablanca, and Marrakech.

Finally, an Observatory for Agroecology in Morocco was established in partnership with IRD (Research and Development Institute), CIRAD, and LITOPAD (a laboratory hosted at the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences of Rabat).

Governance
Governance is a priority theme for RIAM and must align with the values upheld by the association. Governance concerns how work is conducted and decisions are made within and among the various bodies/members of the association at all levels.

After discussions on governance, RIAM opted for an organization that is as horizontal as possible, dynamic, and constantly evolving. This allows all involved actors to establish flexible and dynamic relationships while preserving their integrity and autonomy.

The rules of this organic governance are outlined in several documents: statutes, internal regulations, charter, and other documents currently being revised.

Organic Structure: Autonomy and Cooperation
The organization of RIAM resembles that of a living body and is based on the principles of organic links:

Composed of agroecology actors and members.
Structured into various poles and commissions, its organs.
Animated by the links and relationships at its different levels, and by the roles invested by involved members.
Its poles and commissions are both permanent and temporary:

Permanent Commissions: Communication, Governance, Funding, RIAM PGS, Mediation.
Permanent and Temporary Poles: Research and Experimentation, Training and Transition, International, Commercialization, Urban Agriculture, Eco and Agri-tourism.