Cactus cultivation project in Marrakesh region

Morocco is studying the possibility of cultivating cactus over 4,000 hectares in the Rehamna region near Marrakesh.

The project, to be backed by the UN Development Program and Mexico, seeks to promote cactus culture, as the plant is adapted to the semi-arid climate prevailing in the region and protects soil against erosion.

Some parts of the plant can be used as fodder in times of drought. After the initial 4000 hectares, Morocco ambition is to extend the project to 100,000 hectares in the 1999-2003 five-year plan.

The experience conducted in other countries, mainly in Latin America, revealed that prickly pears, for example, can produce syrups, juice, jams, brown sugar and are used in cosmetics, while the leaves are used as a combustible to produce biogas.

The exploitation of cactus can therefore be job- and money-generating for the local populations.

According to first estimates, once completed, the project will generate for the region an additional $5 million, as a study showed that a cactus-cultivated hectare earns after four years of activity an annual income of $200. A surface area of 100,000 hectares will therefore earn $20 million in addition to the value of parts used as fodder, which is assessed at $50 per hectare.

According to the study, the households directly concerned by the project will earn an additional $850 per year.