ElleMoutmir Empowers Morocco’s Rural Women to Lead Sustainable Agricultural Change

ElleMoutmir, launched under OCP Group’s Al Moutmir initiative, is redefining the role of rural women in Morocco’s agricultural landscape by transforming empowerment into a force for sustainability and progress. The program equips women with technical training, digital tools, and entrepreneurial skills to drive change and strengthen their communities.

Established in 2018, Al Moutmir focuses on inclusive agricultural development through science-based, locally adapted solutions. It has directly supported over 40,000 farmers and reached more than 540,000 through digital platforms. By offering services such as soil health management, customized fertilization, sustainable mechanization, and improved market access, the initiative aims to make Moroccan agriculture more efficient and environmentally responsible.

Within this framework, ElleMoutmir specifically empowers women — recognizing them as essential agents of transformation. The program supports four key groups: women farmers, female agricultural retailers, women’s cooperatives, and young female leaders. By giving them agricultural and managerial skills, it helps enhance productivity while protecting natural resources.

At its core, ElleMoutmir believes rural development cannot happen without women. The program promotes long-term, locally driven approaches co-created with women in the field. Agricultural advisers and experts work closely with beneficiaries to provide personalized training and ensure continuous knowledge transfer.

Women participating in ElleMoutmir are trained to tackle climate change challenges through climate-smart agricultural practices. These methods not only improve crop yields but also help sequester carbon in soil — directly contributing to global goals such as Zero Hunger and Climate Action.

The initiative’s capacity-building model includes leadership training, technical workshops, and access to modern agricultural technologies. Through digital tools like the @tmar mobile app, Minassat Attakwin 3an Bou3d distance-learning portal, and T@swiq — an online marketplace connecting producers with buyers — ElleMoutmir is also closing the digital gap among rural women.

These platforms enable women to access real-time agricultural advice, weather updates, market prices, and financial services. The Agripedia digital encyclopedia further enhances this by offering visual guides on best farming practices.

In 2024, Al Moutmir introduced Communities of Practice — collaborative networks where women farmers exchange experiences and co-create sustainable solutions. A shining example comes from Ihassan Hamoudan, president of the Biosalim cooperative, who shared sorghum seeds and cultivation methods with farmers in six regions. This peer-to-peer learning model embodies solidarity, shared growth, and collective innovation.

To celebrate the International Day of Rural Women, ElleMoutmir will host an event at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir under the theme “Women-Led Agricultural Cooperatives: Collective Power for an Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture in Africa.” The event will bring together researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and cooperative members to discuss strategies for advancing women’s inclusion in agriculture.

So far, ElleMoutmir has supported more than 400 women’s cooperatives, 1,000 female farmers, 26 women retailers, and 200 young leaders, connecting them to new market opportunities through T@swiq and similar platforms. Outstanding women will also be honored at the Al Moutmir Trophies ceremony.

By blending science, innovation, and community leadership, ElleMoutmir demonstrates that empowering women is key to sustainable agricultural transformation. As Morocco continues to address climate and food security challenges, this initiative stands as a model of how inclusion and sustainability can work together — nurturing both the land and the women who cultivate it.