Moroccan minister ties food security to improvement of rural youth skills

Moroccan agriculture, rural development and fisheries minister, Habib Malki, said Monday food security depends on the improvement of the rural youth skills and mobilization.

Speaking at the opening of the "first national forum of rural youth," the minister stressed any food security strategy should include promoting the awareness of youth living in rural areas that food security is an objective requiring the contribution of all efforts.

The minister also recalled that during his recent visit to some Moroccan regions, King Mohammed VI launched a series of projects for the rural world before surveying his department's policy geared to give a new impetus to the rural world and agriculture.

He also cited the national apprenticeship program for 300,000 youngsters living in rural areas, the program to secure self-sufficiency in cereals with the production of six million tons of grains in periods of drought and the creation of 50,000 jobs.

After the "Agricola" prize awarded last year to the late King Hassan II, the Food and Agriculture Organization rewarded 10 prizes to a group of Moroccan companies and offices involved in various actions for the rural world.

Chaired by prime minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, the forum, is attended by a delegate of the "FAO" and other members of the cabinet. The encounter is featuring round tables on "education and training in the rural world," "integrating the rural youth in economic activities" and "integrating girls of the rural world in the development process."

It is held part of Morocco's commemorations of the "World Food Day."