IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v15y2023i9p7412-d1136901.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Towards Sustainable Vegetable Farming: Exploring Agroecological Alternatives to Chemical Products in the Fez-Meknes Region of Morocco

Author

Listed:
  • Wijdane Rhioui

    (Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Engineering Environment, Department of Biology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30050, Morocco
    Department of Plant and Environment Protection, Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès, BP/S 40, Meknes 50001, Morocco)

  • Jamila Al Figuigui

    (Laboratory of Functional Ecology and Engineering Environment, Department of Biology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30050, Morocco)

  • Rachid Lahlali

    (Department of Plant and Environment Protection, Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès, BP/S 40, Meknes 50001, Morocco)

  • Salah-Eddine Laasli

    (Department of Plant and Environment Protection, Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès, BP/S 40, Meknes 50001, Morocco)

  • Abdellatif Boutagayout

    (Department of Plant and Environment Protection, Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès, BP/S 40, Meknes 50001, Morocco
    The Environment and Soil Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Sciences-Moulay Ismail University, B.P. 11201 Zitoune, Meknes 50000, Morocco)

  • Moussa El Jarroudi

    (Water, Environment and Development Unit, Department of Environmental Sciences and Management, UR SPHERES Research Unit, University of Liège, 6700 Arlon, Belgium)

  • Saâdia Belmalha

    (Department of Plant and Environment Protection, Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès, BP/S 40, Meknes 50001, Morocco)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Wijdane Rhioui & Jamila Al Figuigui & Rachid Lahlali & Salah-Eddine Laasli & Abdellatif Boutagayout & Moussa El Jarroudi & Saâdia Belmalha, 2023. "Towards Sustainable Vegetable Farming: Exploring Agroecological Alternatives to Chemical Products in the Fez-Meknes Region of Morocco," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-23, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:9:p:7412-:d:1136901
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/9/7412/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/9/7412/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mustapha F.A. Jallow & Dawood G. Awadh & Mohammed S. Albaho & Vimala Y. Devi & Binson M. Thomas, 2017. "Pesticide Knowledge and Safety Practices among Farm Workers in Kuwait: Results of a Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Raj K. Jat & Vijay S. Meena & Manish Kumar & Vijay S. Jakkula & Illathur R. Reddy & Avinash C. Pandey, 2022. "Direct Seeded Rice: Strategies to Improve Crop Resilience and Food Security under Adverse Climatic Conditions," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-14, March.
    3. Case, S.D.C. & Oelofse, M. & Hou, Y. & Oenema, O. & Jensen, L.S., 2017. "Farmer perceptions and use of organic waste products as fertilisers – A survey study of potential benefits and barriers," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 84-95.
    4. Lihua Ma & Jiupai Ni & Luuk Fleskens & Han Wang & Yunqing Xuan, 2021. "Modelling Fertilizer Use in Relation to Farmers’ Household Characteristics in Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-17, May.
    5. Zineb Ben Khadda & Mustapha Fagroud & Yahya El Karmoudi & Said Ezrari & Imane Berni & Marc De Broe & Tapan Behl & Simona Gabriela Bungau & Tarik Sqalli Houssaini, 2021. "Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Regarding Carcinogenic Pesticides in Fez Meknes Region (Morocco)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-18, October.
    6. Ruopin Qu & Yongchang Wu & Jing Chen & Glyn D. Jones & Wenjing Li & Shan Jin & Qian Chang & Yiying Cao & Guijun Yang & Zhenhong Li & Lynn J. Frewer, 2020. "Effects of Agricultural Cooperative Society on Farmers’ Technical Efficiency: Evidence from Stochastic Frontier Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-13, October.
    7. Tuomisto, H.L. & Hodge, I.D. & Riordan, P. & Macdonald, D.W., 2012. "Comparing energy balances, greenhouse gas balances and biodiversity impacts of contrasting farming systems with alternative land uses," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 42-49.
    8. Ghulam Muhammad & Imaad Rashid & Sehrish Firyal, 2017. "Practical Aspects Of Treatment Of Organophosphate And Carbamate Insecticide Poisoning In Animals," Matrix Science Pharma (MSP), Zibeline International Publishing, vol. 1(1), pages 10-11, February.
    9. Klerkx, Laurens & Aarts, Noelle & Leeuwis, Cees, 2010. "Adaptive management in agricultural innovation systems: The interactions between innovation networks and their environment," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 103(6), pages 390-400, July.
    10. Christos A. Damalas & Ilias G. Eleftherohorinos, 2011. "Pesticide Exposure, Safety Issues, and Risk Assessment Indicators," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 8(5), pages 1-18, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Mingyue Li & Jingjing Wang & Kai Chen & Lianbei Wu, 2020. "Willingness and Behaviors of Farmers’ Green Disposal of Pesticide Packaging Waste in Henan, China: A Perceived Value Formation Mechanism Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-18, May.
    2. M. Imran Ganaie & Manzoor A. Wani & Aisha Dev & Ishtiaq A. Mayer, 2022. "Pesticide exposure of farm community causing illness symptoms in upper Jhelum Basin of Kashmir Himalaya, India," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(12), pages 13771-13785, December.
    3. Asghar Bagheri & Naier Emami & Christos A. Damalas, 2023. "Monitoring point source pollution by pesticide use: an analysis of farmers’ environmental behavior in waste disposal," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(7), pages 6711-6726, July.
    4. Genowefa Blundo-Canto & Bernard Triomphe & Guy Faure & Danielle Barret & Aurelle de Romemont & Etienne Hainzelin, 2019. "Building a culture of impact in an international agricultural research organization: Process and reflective learning," Research Evaluation, Oxford University Press, vol. 28(2), pages 136-144.
    5. Vermunt, D.A. & Wojtynia, N. & Hekkert, M.P. & Van Dijk, J. & Verburg, R. & Verweij, P.A. & Wassen, M. & Runhaar, H., 2022. "Five mechanisms blocking the transition towards ‘nature-inclusive’ agriculture: A systemic analysis of Dutch dairy farming," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 195(C).
    6. Cheng, Cheng-Feng & Chang, Man-Ling & Li, Chu-Shiu, 2013. "Configural paths to successful product innovation," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 66(12), pages 2561-2573.
    7. Evelien Cronin & Sylvie Fosselle & Elke Rogge & Robert Home, 2021. "An Analytical Framework to Study Multi-Actor Partnerships Engaged in Interactive Innovation Processes in the Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-19, June.
    8. Bentivoglio, Deborah & Bucci, Giorgia & Belletti, Matteo & Finco, Adele, 2022. "A theoretical framework on network’s dynamics for precision agriculture technologies adoption," Revista de Economia e Sociologia Rural (RESR), Sociedade Brasileira de Economia e Sociologia Rural, vol. 60(4), January.
    9. Cameira, Maria do Rosário & Rodrigo, Isabel & Garção, Andreia & Neves, Manuela & Ferreira, Antónia & Paredes, Paula, 2024. "Linking participatory approach and rapid appraisal methods to select potential innovations in collective irrigation systems," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
    10. Manoch Naksata & Anucha Watcharapasorn & Surat Hongsibsong & Ratana Sapbamrer, 2020. "Development of Personal Protective Clothing for Reducing Exposure to Insecticides in Pesticide Applicators," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-10, May.
    11. Pigford, Ashlee-Ann E. & Hickey, Gordon M. & Klerkx, Laurens, 2018. "Beyond agricultural innovation systems? Exploring an agricultural innovation ecosystems approach for niche design and development in sustainability transitions," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 116-121.
    12. Souzanchi Kashani, Ebrahim & Roshani, Saeed, 2019. "Evolution of innovation system literature: Intellectual bases and emerging trends," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 68-80.
    13. Colvin, John & Blackmore, Chris & Chimbuya, Sam & Collins, Kevin & Dent, Mark & Goss, John & Ison, Ray & Roggero, Pier Paolo & Seddaiu, Giovanna, 2014. "In search of systemic innovation for sustainable development: A design praxis emerging from a decade of social learning inquiry," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(4), pages 760-771.
    14. Islam, Md. Mofakkarul & Renwick, Alan W. & Lamprinopoulou-Kranis, Chrysa & Klerkx, Laurens, 2012. "Dynamics of Innovation in Livestock Genetics in Scotland: An Agricultural Innovation Systems Perspective," 131st Seminar, September 18-19, 2012, Prague, Czech Republic 135769, European Association of Agricultural Economists.
    15. Ivana Doležalová & Irena Petrželová & Martin Duchoslav, 2020. "Selectivity and efficacy of herbicides dimethachlor and pethoxamid in rocket crop," Plant Protection Science, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 56(4), pages 305-316.
    16. Maru, Yiheyis & Sparrow, Ashley & Stirzaker, Richard & Davies, Jocelyn, 2018. "Integrated agricultural research for development (IAR4D) from a theory of change perspective," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 165(C), pages 310-320.
    17. Micheels, Eric T. & Nolan, James F., 2016. "Examining the effects of absorptive capacity and social capital on the adoption of agricultural innovations: A Canadian Prairie case study," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 127-138.
    18. Leclère, Margot & Gorissen, Lenn & Cuijpers, Yvonne & Colombo, Luca & Schoonhoven-Speijer, Mirjam & Rossing, Walter A.H., 2024. "Fostering action perspectives to support crop diversification: Lessons from 25 change-oriented case studies across Europe," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).
    19. Dias, Cláudia & Franco, Mário, 2018. "Cooperation in tradition or tradition in cooperation? Networks of agricultural entrepreneurs," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 36-48.
    20. Khalid M. Khan & Janesh Karnati & Ipsita Hamid & David Koceja & Mohammad Zahirul Islam & Md Alfazal Khan, 2019. "Residential Proximity to Agricultural Fields and Neurological and Mental Health Outcomes in Rural Adults in Matlab, Bangladesh," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-12, September.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:9:p:7412-:d:1136901. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.