Délégation de Mèknes - Office du Développement de la Coopération

MEKNES DELEGATION

SECTOR DESCRIPTION

In the jurisdiction of the regional delegation, encompassing the provinces of Meknes, Ifrane, El Hajeb, Khénifra, Midelt, and Errachidia, the cooperative sector manifests distinct features:

Agricultural Predominance: The agricultural sector takes a prominent role, constituting approximately 70% of all cooperatives in the region. This prevalence is attributed, in part, to the natural and geographical characteristics of the provinces. Notably, the province of Errachidia stands out due to a significant establishment of agricultural cooperatives by rights-holders.

– Diversification : A noteworthy trend is the emergence of new cooperatives diversifying into various sectors such as tourism, training, education, e-commerce, agribusiness, services, waste management, distillation of aromatic and medicinal plants, and cosmetics.

– “Elhajeb – Terroir” label project: A distinctive initiative, the “Elhajeb – Terroir” label project serves as a commercial brand unifying cooperatives, cooperative unions, craftsmen, and local producers. Its primary goal is to highlight and promote the region’s unique artisanal and local products.

These characteristics of the cooperative sector in the delegation’s territory reflect the diversity of economic activities and the growing commitment of cooperatives in various sectors, thus contributing to economic development and the promotion of quality local products.

ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Workshops for implementing Axis III of the National Initiative of Human Development

In collaboration with various partners, the Meknes regional delegation has initiated a three-month training program to enhance the skills of cooperators. Conducted under the Project for the Improvement of Income and Support for the Social and Solidarity Economy, the program ran from February to May 2023 in partnership with the TARGA – AIDE association.

Throughout this period, 12 training sessions were conducted for the managers of 57 cooperatives in Khenifra province. These sessions focused on key areas such as administrative management, financial management, and cooperative accounting. The primary aim was to fortify the skills necessary for enhancing internal cooperative management, aligning with the goals of the National Initiative of Human Development (NIHD) and contributing to the economic development of the region.

Empowering Youth through Green Entrepreneurship: ODCO's Awareness Session in Midelt

As a pivotal component of sustainable development in the Province of Midelt, the project “Green Entrepreneurship and Socio-Professional Integration in the Professions” stands as a vital initiative. Launched by Cluster Solaire in collaboration with the Midelt Mobadara association, MASEN, and the DROSOS FOUNDATION, this project aims to create a sustainable impact. In line with these efforts, the regional delegation of the Office of Cooperation Development (ODCO) spearheaded an enlightening session.

Tailored for 29 young individuals from the province, the session had a twofold purpose: first, to instill an awareness of cooperatives as viable income-generating entities, and second, to delve into essential concepts related to the administrative management of cooperatives. The overarching goal of this training was to provide support for these young participants in establishing sustainable economic activities within the green sectors. Additionally, it sought to facilitate their integration into regional ecological structures and projects, fostering a harmonious blend of economic growth and environmental consciousness.

PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS

ODCO-ONCA Partnership

In accordance with the partnership agreement between ODCO and ONCA (The National Office of Agricultural Council) aimed at addressing key challenges encountered by agricultural cooperatives, the ODCO’s regional delegation collaborated with the ONCA regional representation of Fez-Meknes to conduct four training sessions. These sessions were provided to 20 agricultural cooperatives operating in the prefecture of Meknes and the province of El Hajeb, covering the following topics:

1. Requirements for the advancement of agricultural cooperatives.
2. Administrative management of cooperatives and principles of governance.

Furthermore, an online learning session was organized by the regional representation, focusing on the “legal aspects of Economic Interest Groupings (EIGs)” specifically for cooperatives that are members of recently established EIGs.

Successful cooperative models

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« Ittihad » cooperative

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The Ittihad cooperative, founded on 5 November 1998 in Douar Toufestelt, a rural commune of Ain Leuh, in the province of Ifrane, was the first women's agricultural cooperative to be established in the Middle Atlas region. Its main activities include the production of different varieties of couscous and pasta, the packaging of aromatic plants with the extraction of essential oils and floral waters, the processing and packaging of cereals, as well as the production of vegetable oils from oleaginous fruits and seeds; quality products that can currently be found marketed in the Casablanca solidarity market, Aswak Assalam, Marjane, and Label'vie, among others.
With the aim of expanding into supermarkets, the Ittihad cooperative has undertaken a modernization of its working methods since 2018, creating the registered trademark "TATFI". The Ittihad cooperative now holds several certificates for all its branches of activity. In addition, it has a certificate of registration with the Food Export Control and Coordination organization as well as an authorization to use the collective label "Terroir du Maroc" for all aromatic plants and varieties of couscous.
Since its creation, the Ittihad cooperative has participated in many fairs in major Moroccan cities. It has also been present at each edition of the Meknes International Agricultural Show (SIAM). Internationally, the Ittihad cooperative has taken part in renowned fairs, including the Berlin Green Week in 2015 and 2018, the International Fair of Agriculture in Paris in 2019, as well as the International Dubai Fair in 2022.

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«Andaz Nouska» cooperative

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Founded in 2009, Andaz Nouska is a handicraft cooperative made up of women engaged in the production and marketing of high-quality handicrafts, such as carpets, Hanbal and fine patterns. One of the main objectives of this cooperative is to improve the socio-economic situation of rural women. It also aims to preserve the cultural heritage of Midelt while highlighting the talent and skills of women, most of whom have been practicing this profession for more than 15 years, thus passing on their know-how from generation to generation to preserve the cultural heritage. Thanks to this accumulated experience, they have gained the trust of customers, both local and foreign, which has allowed them to obtain the right to use the National Label of Crafts of Morocco.
In addition, Andaz Nouska is recognized as a citizen cooperative. In this regard, during the fourth session of the Summer School for the Benefit of Children, the cooperative organized various voluntary, educational, social and cultural workshops from July 10 to August 21, 2023, benefiting 256 children in a way that actively contributes to the well-being of the community.