article · Sustainability
A survey of 603 vegetable farmers in the Fez-Meknes region of Morocco assessed chemical use alongside the adoption of agroecological methods. Findings reveal that 95 percent of farmers rely on chemical inputs throughout the crop production cycle, yet most possess an inadequate understanding of proper application and the associated environmental and health risks. Despite high chemical dependence, certain sustainable techniques remain widespread. Nearly all surveyed growers utilise crop rotation and animal manure, whilst substantial proportions use drip irrigation and intercropping. Farmers are primarily motivated to adopt agroecological alternatives when they observe proven success among peers. However, major barriers persist: nearly three quarters struggle with pest and disease management when attempting to avoid pesticides, and over 70 percent report a critical lack of technical advisory support. Addressing these gaps requires targeted training and state-backed financial incentives.
Excessive agricultural chemical use threatens soil quality, environmental health, and human wellbeing. Understanding what drives and hinders farmers during the transition to sustainable farming helps policymakers and agricultural agencies target resources effectively. Demonstrating that farmers already use techniques like crop rotation and drip irrigation shows a practical foundation for reducing chemical dependence, provided adequate training and institutional support are delivered.
The findings highlight market opportunities for biological pest management inputs and commercial agricultural advisory services aimed at vegetable producers. While the research itself is an observational diagnostic study rather than a product trial, it reveals an unmet demand among farmers for effective non-chemical crop protection tools and technical training, providing clear market direction for agritech and bio-input enterprises seeking to operate in the region.
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The use of excessive chemicals in agriculture can cause harm to the environment and human health. Sustainable agriculture systems promote agroecological practices to reduce chemical use and promote environmental and human health. However, there is a lack of data on the status of chemical use and the adoption of agroecological practices in the Fez-Meknes region, which is a significant national vegetable production area. To address this gap, we conducted cross-sectional surveys with 603 farmers to analyze their practices, behaviors, and knowledge regarding chemical and bio-product use, as well as the risks to crops, health, and the environment. Additionally, we aimed to diagnose the diffusion of agroecological practices and identify the most relevant obstacles and motivations for adoption. Our results indicate that a majority of farmers (95%) use chemicals throughout the production process but lack a good understanding of their use and associated risks. However, farmers do have access to alternative practices such as crop rotation (99.67%), manure (96.35%), drip irrigation (74.46%), and intercropping (69%). The success of these practices among farmers was a significant motivation for their adoption (50%), whereas the difficulties of managing pests and diseases without pesticides (73.2%) and the lack of technical advice and support (70.8%) were the main barriers to adoption. In conclusion, our study highlights the need for training and financial encouragement from the state to promote healthy and eco-friendly farming practices. This research provides valuable insights into the current status of chemical use and the adoption of agroecological practices in the Fez-Meknes region, which can inform policy decisions and promote sustainable agriculture practices for the future.
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DOI: 10.3390/su15097412
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