Latest news with #GenerationGreen
Ya Biladi
30-07-2025
- Health
- Ya Biladi
Morocco proposes international fund to tackle Africa's food insecurity
Is it still appropriate to speak of progress when, in 2024, 670 million people worldwide are undernourished? This staggering figure, drawn from the latest joint report by the FAO, WHO, and WFP, hints at a slight global improvement but masks stark regional inequalities. In Africa, the situation is deteriorating. The continent alone is home to 307 million people suffering from chronic undernourishment, making up over 20% of its population. This percentage has been on the rise for several years. Africa's vulnerability is primarily due to the fact that in many countries, more than half of the food supply is imported. This, as Lorine Azoulai from CCFD-Terre Solidaire explains, «hinders their ability to develop local production». She adds, «To glimpse any prospects, they must emancipate themselves at least somewhat from international markets». A minor disruption in global markets, a drought, or a war can cause the entire system to collapse. Speculation, geopolitical tensions, and climate change offer no respite. Regional Disparities The same grim reality is evident in certain parts of the Middle East. In Syria, nearly 40% of the population lacks sufficient food, one of the highest rates globally. In Palestine, starvation is wielded as a weapon of war against civilians. The WHO reports a «peak in deaths in July». While the UN report may not detail this acute crisis, the shadow of the enclave looms over every discussion. Forecasts are equally alarming: by 2030, 512 million people could be living with chronic undernourishment, with nearly 60% of them in Africa. A Response from Africa, for Africa Against this backdrop, Morocco proposed a clear initiative on Monday, July 28, in Addis Ababa: the creation of an international fund dedicated exclusively to African food security. Rabat sees this as a crucial lever to bolster the continent's food sovereignty, as outlined by Ahmed El Bouari, Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, during the second review of the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS+4). In light of dwindling development aid, particularly following the abrupt cessation of the USAID program that supported 45 million people, this fund aims to be a response from Africa, designed for Africa. The minister underscored the importance of responsible financing, equitable access to food, and inclusive governance. He argued that it is no longer enough to adapt agricultural systems to the climate; there must be a profound transformation in the logic of food supply chains. Morocco claims to have experienced this transformation with its Generation Green 2020–2030 strategy, which combines human investment, ecological transition, and social justice. With this proposal, Morocco aims to put the right to food at the forefront of international discussions. The challenge is not just to feed people but to restore countries' ability to determine their agriculture and future. A collective response is essential. The Kingdom is indeed banking on South-South cooperation, already in motion through royal initiatives like the Adaptation of African Agriculture. Moreover, Morocco advocates for a reimagined multilateral solidarity, one less reliant on major Western donors and more grounded in regional realities. The Forgotten Faces of Hunger Hunger has faces, and they are often the same. Women, children, and isolated rural families are the hardest hit. In some regions, an entire generation is growing up with empty stomachs. In 2023, over 30% of women aged 15 to 49 suffered from anemia, and the gap with men continues to widen. «Hunger and malnutrition are political», economist Raj Patel reminds us. «There is no other way to explain why women are more affected than men», he adds. And yet, there is an explanation. Hunger is not only political; it is also social and deeply linked to imposed roles, as the NGO Action Against Hunger highlights. In some regions, women cannot own land or access resources without a man's approval. Their work—collecting water, feeding the family, caring for children and the elderly, cooking, and tending to the sick—is invisible, domestic, and daily, yet neither remunerated nor recognized. When tensions rise, they bear the brunt of the violence, sometimes forced to trade their dignity for a bit of food. However, alternatives are emerging. In Nigeria, the Porridge Moms program enables mothers to cook together, learn, and most importantly, regain control over what they eat. In Kenya, gardens near wells reduce dependency. Elsewhere, women become business leaders through simple access to tools. Fighting hunger also means empowering women to feed themselves and others. The good news is that the continent will be in the spotlight this fall. The G20, COP30 in Brazil (November 10 – November 21, 2025), the World Committee for Food Security... There will be no shortage of platforms. But the African voice must be strong, clear, and driven by well-defined priorities.
Morocco World
21-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
AfDB Approves €100 Million for Agriculture Program to Support Moroccan Women, Youth
Rabat — The African Development Bank (AfDB) Board of Directors has approved €100 million in financing for Morocco to launch a comprehensive agriculture support program targeting women and young entrepreneurs. The initiative, called the Program for Supporting Inclusive Solidarity Agriculture for Women and Youth (PAASIFEJ), aims to create lasting opportunities for women and young people while strengthening food security and preparing Morocco's small-scale farmers for climate change challenges. The program will stimulate entrepreneurship among women and youth in rural areas by establishing tailored financing and incentive mechanisms. It will also strengthen technical and financial support systems to help participants succeed in their ventures. The initiative plans to deploy new agricultural production and service infrastructure, which will consolidate women's participation in local value chains, enhance their skills, and increase their productivity. According to the AfDB, these actions will foster the emergence of women entrepreneurs in agriculture, para-agriculture, processing, and digital sectors. The program supports Morocco's new employment roadmap by promoting rural entrepreneurship. Achraf Tarsim, the AfDB's country manager for Morocco, outlined the program's priorities. 'Women who have the ambition to start businesses and succeed in agriculture are our priority,' he said. 'Through this new operation, we will accompany them step by step to build modern, inclusive, and resilient agriculture, capable of revealing the full potential of those who aspire to innovate and create value and employment in their territories,' Tarsim added. The program aligns perfectly with Morocco's priorities and will support the implementation of the 'Generation Green' strategy 2020-2030, a national vision seeking to transform agriculture into a more inclusive, sustainable, and high-performing sector. The initiative also backs the state-led National Solidarity Agriculture Program and the National Youth Entrepreneurship Program, creating synergies across Morocco's larger development framework. The African Development Bank has partnered with Morocco for over fifty years, building collaboration based on a shared and integrated vision of development. The institution has mobilized nearly €15 billion to date, financing more than 150 high-impact projects in strategic sectors including transport, water, energy, agriculture, social protection, governance, and finance. This latest approval demonstrates the bank's continued commitment to supporting the North African country's agricultural transformation while empowering women and youth as key drivers of rural development. Tags: AFDBagricultureMoroccoYouth and women
Scotsman
03-07-2025
- Scotsman
Generation Green 2: A landmark success connecting young people with nature
Young people on a Generation Green school trip A generation of young people, including local youngsters has rediscovered the power of the outdoors thanks to the 12-month Generation Green 2 project. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The initiative has enabled 26,663 young people from some of the most socially disadvantaged areas to explore National Parks, National Landscapes, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, often for the first time. Funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the landmark £4.5 million programme has transformed access to nature for thousands across England at a time when young people need it the most. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad According to the newly released Generation Green 2 Celebration Report, the impact has been profound. Eight in ten participants said they would not have had the chance to experience the outdoors without the programme's support. For over a third of participants, it marked their first-ever visit to the countryside. Delivered by the Access Unlimited coalition, which includes YHA (England & Wales), The Outward Bound Trust, Field Studies Council, Girlguiding, Scouts, nine National Park Authorities and eight National Landscapes in England, the programme provided life-changing outdoor experiences - from day trips to residentials - designed to improve wellbeing, confidence, and environmental awareness. 'This isn't just about fun and fresh air,' said James Blake, Chair of Access Unlimited and Chief Executive of YHA (England & Wales). 'It's about equity, opportunity, and giving every young person the chance to thrive in and care for the world around them. However, further funding is needed if we are to keep the momentum going.' Rebuilding Connections Lost to the Pandemic The report comes amid mounting evidence that outdoor and nature-based learning is being squeezed out of children's lives. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Research from The Sutton Trust recently revealed that 53 per cent of senior school leaders have been forced to divert Pupil Premium funding, away from outdoor learning to cover shortfalls in core budgets. Originally launched in 2021, Generation Green has played a vital role in helping young people rebuild connections with nature that were lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, one million children missed out on school residentials. Many of these outdoor learning opportunities have yet to return, with some activity centres closing permanently. In the immediate aftermath of Covid, the first Generation Green programme - lasting 18 months - provided essential access to green space at a time when children's mental health and connection to the environment were under increasing strain. Subsequent funding for Generation Green was granted by Defra in March last year for a further 12-month programme. Generation Green 2 focused on nights under the stars, a key recommendation in the Government's Landscapes Review, which argued that every child should have the opportunity to experience a night in nature if they are to become future custodians of our green spaces. A Proven Model for a More Equitable Future Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Participants came from some of the most deprived parts of the country, including Croxteth in Liverpool, Blackburn and other low-income areas. The programme created safe, supported, and inspiring spaces for young people to grow, connect, and learn outdoors. 'We know that time in nature can be life-changing,' said Blake. 'We want to do more, and we're ready to do more. But we need long-term support and policy commitment to ensure no child is left behind.' With Generation Green 2 now at an end, its delivery partners are highlighting the urgent need to build on its success and connect more young people to nature and heritage. Access Unlimited Partners celebrate success Speaking of the impact Generation Green has made in the lives of young people and the continuation of the programme, CEOs for Access Unlimited commented in the Celebration Report: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Our National Parks and other protected landscapes are where we go to experience and engage with nature, to rest and recreate, and to learn about our landscapes. Every child should have the opportunity to experience this vital part of our national fabric, but sadly not everyone does. Generation Green 2 takes us a step closer to a society where everyone feels engaged with the outdoors, the countryside and nature. That should be everyone's right, but it's also what we need if we want to foster a culture that can respond to the climate and biodiversity crisis in the future.' - Jayne Butler, National Parks England 'In 2023 our Girls' Attitudes Survey revealed 81% of UK girls aged 7-21 found being outdoors and in nature helps them feel happy. The funding from Generation Green 2 has allowed us to give even more girls the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and have a trip away, to build their confidence and improve their physical and emotional wellbeing and we're very appreciative to have been involved in Generation Green.' - Angela Salt OBE, chief executive, Girlguiding 'Generation Green 2 hasn't just opened the door to the outdoors, it's thrown it wide open. Tens of thousands of young people, many from Britain's most disadvantaged communities, have climbed mountains, camped under the stars, and found their confidence in the wild. And in doing so, they've built resilience, connection, and a deeper understanding of the natural world. This project proves what we've always known at Outward Bound: When you give young people meaningful experiences in nature, they don't just grow, they thrive. The legacy of Generation Green 2 will live on in every young person who now sees the outdoors not as something distant, but as a part of who they are.' - Martin Davidson, CEO, The Outward Bound Trust 'Generation Green 2 has again demonstrated the big impact that high quality outdoor learning can have on so many aspects of a young person's life. For many it was completely new, for some it will be life changing and Field Studies Council is proud to have played our part in that. We saw improvements in mental health, confidence, a love of learning, classroom subjects sparking into life and a renewed sense of joy in running around and being a child. The project also showed us the need for more such opportunities to ensure that no child misses out.' - Mark Castle, CEO of Field Studies Council Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Generation Green 2 has been a powerful reminder of the impact that time spent in nature can have on young people. We're incredibly proud to have worked with our partners to deliver such inspiring experiences across our National Landscapes — from day visits and farm walks to life-changing residentials. This project has not only opened doors for thousands of young people but has also strengthened our collective commitment to making the outdoors more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all.' - John Watkins, Chief Executive, National Landscapes Association 'Generation Green has been a powerful catalyst in helping over 3,700 young people, many from underrepresented backgrounds - connect with nature through meaningful outdoor experiences. By removing barriers, we've widened young people's access to protected landscapes and sparked deeper connections to the environment - supporting wellbeing, resilience and an appreciation for the natural world.' - Aidan Jones, Chief Executive, Scouts 'If we want the environment and nature to be looked after, we need to inspire the next generation. Generation Green 2 has proven how government funding and civil society delivery can work together to extend this inspiration, and the personal development it provides, to many more young people. Through a true partnership approach, Generation Green has connected more than 26,000 disadvantaged young people with the natural world, encouraging the environmentalists of the future, promoting green jobs and setting young people up for lifetimes of enriching adventure through activities in protected landscapes.' – James Blake, CEO, YHA (England & Wales) Why We Need Generation Green 3 Generation Green offers a proven blueprint for change, bringing nature into the lives of young people who need it most. 1 in 5 children aged 10 - 15 has a probable mental health disorder (NHS England, 2023). aged 10 - 15 has a probable mental health disorder (NHS England, 2023). 18% of children in the most deprived areas never visit any kind of natural space. never visit any kind of natural space. Half of the country's most deprived areas are more than 15 miles from a protected landscape. are more than 15 miles from a protected landscape. People from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities make up 14% of the population but just 1% of visitors to National Parks. make up 14% of the population but just 1% of visitors to National Parks. Almost 30% of children in England live in poverty, affecting their access to safe outdoor experiences. Read the Generation Green 2 Celebration Report at
Scotsman
03-07-2025
- Scotsman
Generation Green 2: A landmark success connecting young people with nature
Young people on a Generation Green school trip A generation of young people, including local youngsters has rediscovered the power of the outdoors thanks to the 12-month Generation Green 2 project. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The initiative has enabled 26,663 young people from some of the most socially disadvantaged areas to explore National Parks, National Landscapes, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, often for the first time. Funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the landmark £4.5 million programme has transformed access to nature for thousands across England at a time when young people need it the most. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad According to the newly released Generation Green 2 Celebration Report, the impact has been profound. Eight in ten participants said they would not have had the chance to experience the outdoors without the programme's support. For over a third of participants, it marked their first-ever visit to the countryside. Delivered by the Access Unlimited coalition, which includes YHA (England & Wales), The Outward Bound Trust, Field Studies Council, Girlguiding, Scouts, nine National Park Authorities and eight National Landscapes in England, the programme provided life-changing outdoor experiences - from day trips to residentials - designed to improve wellbeing, confidence, and environmental awareness. 'This isn't just about fun and fresh air,' said James Blake, Chair of Access Unlimited and Chief Executive of YHA (England & Wales). 'It's about equity, opportunity, and giving every young person the chance to thrive in and care for the world around them. However, further funding is needed if we are to keep the momentum going.' Rebuilding Connections Lost to the Pandemic The report comes amid mounting evidence that outdoor and nature-based learning is being squeezed out of children's lives. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Research from The Sutton Trust recently revealed that 53 per cent of senior school leaders have been forced to divert Pupil Premium funding, away from outdoor learning to cover shortfalls in core budgets. Originally launched in 2021, Generation Green has played a vital role in helping young people rebuild connections with nature that were lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, one million children missed out on school residentials. Many of these outdoor learning opportunities have yet to return, with some activity centres closing permanently. In the immediate aftermath of Covid, the first Generation Green programme - lasting 18 months - provided essential access to green space at a time when children's mental health and connection to the environment were under increasing strain. Subsequent funding for Generation Green was granted by Defra in March last year for a further 12-month programme. Generation Green 2 focused on nights under the stars, a key recommendation in the Government's Landscapes Review, which argued that every child should have the opportunity to experience a night in nature if they are to become future custodians of our green spaces. A Proven Model for a More Equitable Future Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Participants came from some of the most deprived parts of the country, including Croxteth in Liverpool, Blackburn and other low-income areas. The programme created safe, supported, and inspiring spaces for young people to grow, connect, and learn outdoors. 'We know that time in nature can be life-changing,' said Blake. 'We want to do more, and we're ready to do more. But we need long-term support and policy commitment to ensure no child is left behind.' With Generation Green 2 now at an end, its delivery partners are highlighting the urgent need to build on its success and connect more young people to nature and heritage. Access Unlimited Partners celebrate success Speaking of the impact Generation Green has made in the lives of young people and the continuation of the programme, CEOs for Access Unlimited commented in the Celebration Report: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Our National Parks and other protected landscapes are where we go to experience and engage with nature, to rest and recreate, and to learn about our landscapes. Every child should have the opportunity to experience this vital part of our national fabric, but sadly not everyone does. Generation Green 2 takes us a step closer to a society where everyone feels engaged with the outdoors, the countryside and nature. That should be everyone's right, but it's also what we need if we want to foster a culture that can respond to the climate and biodiversity crisis in the future.' - Jayne Butler, National Parks England 'In 2023 our Girls' Attitudes Survey revealed 81% of UK girls aged 7-21 found being outdoors and in nature helps them feel happy. The funding from Generation Green 2 has allowed us to give even more girls the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and have a trip away, to build their confidence and improve their physical and emotional wellbeing and we're very appreciative to have been involved in Generation Green.' - Angela Salt OBE, chief executive, Girlguiding 'Generation Green 2 hasn't just opened the door to the outdoors, it's thrown it wide open. Tens of thousands of young people, many from Britain's most disadvantaged communities, have climbed mountains, camped under the stars, and found their confidence in the wild. And in doing so, they've built resilience, connection, and a deeper understanding of the natural world. This project proves what we've always known at Outward Bound: When you give young people meaningful experiences in nature, they don't just grow, they thrive. The legacy of Generation Green 2 will live on in every young person who now sees the outdoors not as something distant, but as a part of who they are.' - Martin Davidson, CEO, The Outward Bound Trust 'Generation Green 2 has again demonstrated the big impact that high quality outdoor learning can have on so many aspects of a young person's life. For many it was completely new, for some it will be life changing and Field Studies Council is proud to have played our part in that. We saw improvements in mental health, confidence, a love of learning, classroom subjects sparking into life and a renewed sense of joy in running around and being a child. The project also showed us the need for more such opportunities to ensure that no child misses out.' - Mark Castle, CEO of Field Studies Council Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Generation Green 2 has been a powerful reminder of the impact that time spent in nature can have on young people. We're incredibly proud to have worked with our partners to deliver such inspiring experiences across our National Landscapes — from day visits and farm walks to life-changing residentials. This project has not only opened doors for thousands of young people but has also strengthened our collective commitment to making the outdoors more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all.' - John Watkins, Chief Executive, National Landscapes Association 'Generation Green has been a powerful catalyst in helping over 3,700 young people, many from underrepresented backgrounds - connect with nature through meaningful outdoor experiences. By removing barriers, we've widened young people's access to protected landscapes and sparked deeper connections to the environment - supporting wellbeing, resilience and an appreciation for the natural world.' - Aidan Jones, Chief Executive, Scouts 'If we want the environment and nature to be looked after, we need to inspire the next generation. Generation Green 2 has proven how government funding and civil society delivery can work together to extend this inspiration, and the personal development it provides, to many more young people. Through a true partnership approach, Generation Green has connected more than 26,000 disadvantaged young people with the natural world, encouraging the environmentalists of the future, promoting green jobs and setting young people up for lifetimes of enriching adventure through activities in protected landscapes.' – James Blake, CEO, YHA (England & Wales) Why We Need Generation Green 3 Generation Green offers a proven blueprint for change, bringing nature into the lives of young people who need it most. 1 in 5 children aged 10 - 15 has a probable mental health disorder (NHS England, 2023). aged 10 - 15 has a probable mental health disorder (NHS England, 2023). 18% of children in the most deprived areas never visit any kind of natural space. never visit any kind of natural space. Half of the country's most deprived areas are more than 15 miles from a protected landscape. are more than 15 miles from a protected landscape. People from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities make up 14% of the population but just 1% of visitors to National Parks. make up 14% of the population but just 1% of visitors to National Parks. Almost 30% of children in England live in poverty, affecting their access to safe outdoor experiences.
Morocco World
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Supports Over 500,000 Small-Scale Farmers with Subsidized Feed
Rabat – More than half a million livestock farmers across Morocco, mostly smallholders, now count among the beneficiaries of a state-backed effort to ease the burden of feed costs. Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari announced the figures before the House of Representatives on Monday, addressing the mounting pressures small-scale herders face amid shifting weather conditions and market instability. The subsidized feed program, rolled out in response to recurrent droughts, reaches a significant number of farmers who also rely on the government's free veterinary campaigns. El Bouari reported that close to 17 million sheep and goats received vaccinations in recent drives, part of broader efforts to maintain animal health and protect rural livelihoods. He also noted that nearly three-quarters of the Agricultural Development Fund's direct aid and incentives support small-scale farms. The fund, often seen as the engine behind Morocco's rural resilience, channels resources to those with limited land and low livestock numbers. El Bouari also talked about plans for a national program set to launch in the 2025–2026 season. Designed as an integrated and long-term response, the initiative will center on solidarity-based agriculture, with the state fully financing animal production projects. Authorities hope to reverse the decline in livestock numbers and help herders rebuild their flocks over the next few years. At the heart of these efforts is the 'Generation Green' strategy, which the minister described as a roadmap tailored for small and medium-scale farmers. According to ministry data, 80% of Moroccan herders own fewer than 30 head of sheep or goats, a reality the strategy seeks to address through targeted support, infrastructure, and access to resources. In February, Morocco officially announced the cancellation of the Eid Al Adha sacrifice, citing the ongoing drought and related difficulties that have severely affected the country's agricultural seasons and overall economy over the past six years.
