The Documentary Podcast Ark of the dry lands
Jul 10, 2025
In Morocco, researchers are revolutionizing dry-land agriculture, preserving 150,000 seed types in a vital gene bank. This initiative supports farmers like Laaziza Atmani, who promotes women's empowerment through a couscous co-op. The podcast discusses the intersection of tradition and innovation in farming practices, especially in the face of climate challenges. It also highlights the importance of gene banks during conflicts, ensuring genetic diversity for sustainable agriculture. Overall, it's a compelling exploration of resilience and community in agriculture.
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Women’s Cooperative Empowers Farmers
- Laziza Atmani and ten women formed the Al-Amal Farming Cooperative in Morocco to make couscous by hand.
- They empowered themselves financially and socially despite prolonged drought and men's migration for work.
Significance of Drylands
- Drylands cover almost half the Earth's surface and are crucial for global food production.
- Climate change intensifies the challenge by increasing heat and water scarcity in these regions.
Ahmed Amri’s Agricultural Roots
- Ahmed Amri grew up in a large family farming barley, wheat, and vegetables near the Sahara.
- He gained practical agriculture skills and remembers traditional songs, linking heritage and science.
