Agroforestry Pilot Projects for Resilient Dairy Systems - Hlib Bladi 2 Program – Doukkala (El Jadida and Sidi Bennour Provinces)

CONTEXT

In the Doukkala region, small-scale family dairy farms face significant vulnerabilities linked to climate change: water scarcity, declining forage yields, rising feed costs, and increasing economic instability on farms. Heat stress, soil erosion, and dependence on imported feed concentrates further exacerbate the situation. 

In this context, the Hlib Bladi 2 program, co-led by Centrale Danone, Danone Ecosystem, and GIZ, has launched an agroforestry pilot project aimed at strengthening the resilience of dairy systems. 

Agrisud International and the Norsys Foundation were commissioned to conduct a feasibility assessment of high-potential farms and develop appropriate agroforestry designs. 

This work is based on a detailed characterization of family farms in the provinces of Sidi Bennour and El Jadida. The results enabled the selection of 10 pilot sites that meet the conditions favorable to the adoption of agroforestry systems. 

OBJECTIVES

• Introduce agroforestry models that improve forage production, sustainable water management, and climate resilience on dairy farms 
• Diversify production (fruit trees, shrubby and herbaceous forages) to secure income 
• Improve animal welfare (shade, microclimate) to maintain milk production during hot weather 
• Test and validate replicable designs (multifunctional hedgerows, intensive agroforestry systems) developed in collaboration with farmers and technical services
• Support farms in improving their herd management, feeding, and soil management practices 

RESULTS

• Two types of agroforestry designs defined and adapted to specific contexts:  

            > Design 1: Multifunctional perimeter hedges to protect crops, improve water retention, produce forage, and reduce evaporation. 

            > Design 2: intensive agroforestry (trees + forage crops) on entire plots.

• Introduction of suitable fruit and forage species: olive, pomegranate, fig, carob, cactus, etc. 
• 10 supported pilot projects: individual development plans, provision of seedlings, training, implementation, and monitoring over 2 years
• 1 monitoring and evaluation system comprising technical, economic, social, environmental, and climate indicators for learning and dissemination 

KEY PROJECT INFORMATION