From Japan to Morocco - Tottori University Students Train with ICARDA

In April, ICARDA Morocco welcomed a delegation of 2^nd-year Master’s degree students from Tottori University in Japan. For a week-long informative journey, Tottori students explored ICARDA’s latest innovations in dryland agriculture by engaging with our dedicated scientists, visiting experimental fields, and research facilities operated by ICARDA and Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique INRA Morocco.

ICARDA scientists kicked off the workshop in Rabat with a series of introductions to ICARDA’s groundbreaking research initiatives. The focus was on agriculture water management practices in dryland regions and the agricultural systems in Morocco, with a particular emphasis on the challenges and strategies pertinent to dryland farming. The students also had the opportunity to learn about Japan – Morocco cooperation in agriculture through a presentation by Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA Morocco Office on JICA’s agricultural initiatives in the country.

The students then visited the INRA-ICARDA Marchouch Research Station, where they witnessed ICARDA’s research in action. They learned about the integration of soil, water, and agronomy to enhance crop and water productivity. This interactive experience included hands-on activities such as measuring soil moisture and extracting and analyzing data essential for assessing crop and soil health. Because research for agricultural development is only valuable when scaled and tailored to farmers’ needs, students engaged with local farmers to better understand the challenges of dryland agriculture.

From Marchouch to Tadla - a region facing water scarcity but rich in agricultural potential - participants started their day with a tour of the INRA research facilities, including the Tadla irrigation scheme, offering a practical perspective on water management in agriculture. In the Tadla region, both drip irrigation and surface irrigation techniques are widely practiced. They observed a wide variety of crops grown in the region, including vegetables, sugar beet, olive and citrus trees, as well as the famous Niora capsicum crop - a key ingredient of paprika.

The next stop was Marrakech - a region celebrated for its vast array of indigenous Moroccan olive tree species. Tottori students had a unique opportunity to explore olive cultivation, featuring both local and international varieties. Students observed and learned about irrigation techniques and sustainable farming practices used in this region - all rooted in farmer engagement to ensure scientific relevance.

Finally, the week-long training concluded with an exceptional participation at SIAM Expo (Salon International de l'Agriculture au Maroc) 17^th edition where participants joined ICARDA’s delegation, exploring our booth, deepening their understanding of dryland science, amid the global challenges of water scarcity and intensifying climate change.

Thanks to our partners from INRA Morocco, the program combined academic, technical, and cultural exchange, broadening their knowledge on today’s agri-challenges and the sustainable agriculture solutions ICARDA offers in dry regions and beyond.

ICARDA remains committed to fostering and engaging with the next generation of scientists through continued training and exchange opportunities and expresses its sincere appreciation for the valuable collaboration with Tottori University.