Irrigation Systems for Fruit Trees in Africa

Here at the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), assisting communities in promoting economic growth and community income generation through participatory development has been as the forefront of our mission. One project that we are working on to fulfill this objective is increasing efficient irrigation to new and existing fruit trees. The primary goal of this project is to plant new saplings and provide irrigation to 20,000 fruit trees, which will increase income generation through higher crop yields. At the same time, by planting these trees on mountainside agricultural terraces, the project will help to mitigate erosion and deforestation from mudslides.

This ongoing project is essential to rural agricultural development in the Tifnoute Valley as it provides necessary irrigation system development in 14 communities (over 3,500 people) and directly improves individuals' daily lives. Currently, HAF and our partner communities continue to plant new cherry and walnut trees on mountainside terraces. In the Atlas Mountain region specifically, the ground and soil environment is not necessarily conducive to the rich growth of crops, but through terracing and HAF’s drip irrigation system, farmers are able to efficiently irrigate trees and saplings and keep water run off to a minimum, as access to water in these communities is still a precious commodity. This process is also integral in helping to stabilize ground soil and rock beds. Terracing and tree growth on mountainsides can alleviate the risk of mud and rock slides which not only strip soil of vital nutrients but can negatively impact homes, schools, transportation systems and businesses. Our irrigation project enables communities to increase their growing capacity of fruit trees and ensure a prosperous economic future for communities and families throughout the region.

Through continued collaboration and implementation with our community partners, we are working to facilitate the sustainability of both the nature environment of the High Atlas region and communities’ economic stability. To ensure the longevity and viability of this project and the continued promotion of fruit tree agriculture throughout Morocco, we appreciate and welcome the support of our allies across the world.