Discover Agriculture In Morocco - Faculty Study Tour

Summer Program 2023

June 11, 2023 to June 24, 2023 (particpants leave the USA on June 10, 2023)

9 Cities: Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Meknes, Chefchaouen, Tangier, Saidia, Oujda, and Berkane

14 Days & 13 Nights

35 Meals : 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners

$3,500 per person  

•      Based on double occupancy and contingent upon a minimum of 15 participants
•      Private motorcoach transportation with free WiFi
•      Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, and hotel porters
•      In-country airfare from Casablanca to Oujda

Our 14-day study tour explores the agriculture, rich cultural heritage, biodiversity, and regional gastronomy of Morocco, including visits to the Atlantic coast, the Atlas Mountains, and the Mediterranean Sea. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy in Morocco, with over half the active labor force working in farming.  During this program you will visit large commercial farms and local smallholder farms as well as subsistence operations, markets and value-added operations, along with institutions of higher education in agronomy, rural development and scientific research. The program combines these visits with cultural exchange, recreation, music, culinary delights, and many more adventures.

Moroccan agriculture is divided between a modern industrial sector that primarily produces food for export, and smallholdings that produce food mainly for local markets and farmers’ own subsistence. There is a striking dichotomy between large and small farms where more than 70% of farmers work fewer than five hectares  accounting for only a quarter of the total land under cultivation. With university professors and researchers, we’ll explore the question of how the two distinctly different models of farming can work together and move forward to a sustainable future. 

Agricultural diversity is one of Morocco’s greatest assets and offers many opportunities to learn about different sectors. Sugar crops and cereals are among Morocco's leading agricultural products, while other major agricultural crops include potatoes, olives, tomatoes, and citrus fruit. Fish are also a significant industry, representing 55% of food exports.  Livestock are another major sector of Moroccan agriculture, contributing to the income of more than 80% of the rural population with large numbers of cattle, sheep, goats and dromedaries (Arabian camels) grazing millions of hectares of rangelands.

Program Goals & Objectives

This program incorporates site visits and discussions that allow teachers to experience first-hand the similarities and differences between US and Moroccan agriculture, education, and the regulatory processes of each while gaining an appreciation for the unique challenges each system faces, and find common ground through immersion with cultural, educational, and professional exchanges. 

Participants are provided the opportunity to increase their knowledge of agricultural practices, cultural practices, and regulatory differences faced by farms and agribusinesses around the world.  Three of 4 U.S. students working in agriculture will work in a company that engages in international business.  Teachers with international experience have a wealth of personal examples, stories, and resources to bring to the classroom.  This program is uniquely designed to expand your international experience in African/Moroccan agriculture, Muslim culture, and arid farming.

About  The Program 

 

This program focuses on the diversity of people and culture as it relates to the United States and international agriculture. Importance is placed on living and working in a global, pluralistic society, and developing communicative approaches for solving technical and social problems. Participants will gain cultural perspectives and broaden their knowledge of Moroccan society. 

Morocco’s abundant variety of plants, animals, foods, agricultural practices, and cultural customs and traditions facilitate the teaching and learning of cultural pluralism in agriculture. The itinerary includes sites in central and northern areas of Morocco, and participants will learn about sustainable farming practices, local and regional food systems, and agritourism. Participants will meet with students as they explore a variety of small and medium-sized family farms. Additional site visits include the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Education, the National School of Agriculture in Meknes, and Hassan II Institute of Agronomy & Veterinary Medicine in Rabat.

While exploring the rich history of Morocco and the modernity exemplified by its position as the Gateway to Africa, participants will travel through the many faces of this magical country that is embracing the future with a vision towards a sustainable world.

Highlights

• Focus on diversity of people and culture through international agriculture.
• Gain cultural perspectives and broaden knowledge of international studies.
• Experience small fishing villages along the Mediterranean shore.
• Tour a medium-size family farm that was founded by a Moroccan woman as a sole proprietor. See its growth over 20 years and its impact on the surrounding community.
• Learn about the changing supply chain in the Carob industry – from local Moroccans collected wild carob pods high in the Atlas Mountains, to new carob tree farms, industrial processing, and international export. 
• Tour Tanger Med International Port, a global logistics gateway located on the Strait of Gibraltar and connected to more than 180 ports worldwide.
• Visit four UNESCO World Heritage sites located in:
• Additional agricultural site visits in Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Berkane, Oujda, Saidia, and Tangier.

Join Us!

• Come travel with our diverse international team of experts to create your own lifetime memory. Our experience in agricultural and natural resource projects, strong in-country networks and relationships with local communities, opportunities for volunteer and service-learning projects, and cultural hands-on activities will open new horizons in your classrooms.  

American Moroccan Alliance has been bringing educators to Morocco for 10 years. First and foremost, we make traveling easy, exciting, and safe for you! Our professional contacts and intimate knowledge of the country is the uniqueness we bring to our study tours.

Expenses Not Included in the Program

International Airfare

Meals & snacks except as noted

Alcohol of any type

Beverages / Bottled water   

Travel Insurance - optional

International Emergency Medical Insurance policy - required

Personal Expenses