LAAYOUNE DELEGATION
Our approach to defending the Moroccan identity of the Sahara is based on an integrated vision that combines political and diplomatic action with the promotion of the region's socio-economic and human development.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SECTOR
In the Laayoune Sakia El Hamra region, the cooperative sector has experienced substantial growth each year since 2010, with the number of cooperatives surpassing 2000 in 2023. Among these, 68% are affiliated with the agricultural and handicraft sectors. Despite the predominance of these two domains, the cooperative landscape stands out for its noteworthy diversity of activities. Cooperatives engaged in animal livestock, the production and enhancement of agricultural products, the manufacturing of couscous, the valorization and promotion of sea products, and the production of natural products all play a pivotal role in local development. These high value-added sectors inject significant economic vitality into the region, thereby stimulating the local economy.
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Training sessions
The “Saharawi Women’s Forum for Development and Democracy,” in collaboration with the regional delegation of the Office of Cooperation Development (ODCO) in the Laayoune Sakia El Hamra region, the Republic International Institute, and the Regional Executive of Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy of the same region, organized a training session on March 3, 2023. This session was specifically designed for a group of women’s cooperatives involved in the cosmetics and local products sector.
The training covered various key aspects, including the administrative management of cooperatives, financial management of these entities, as well as the fundamentals of marketing.
MOTATAWI3 program : Youth's Awareness Day
On August 9, 2023, the ODCO regional delegation of Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra collaborated with the Regional Executive of Youth and Sports to organize an awareness day for the young beneficiaries of the MOTATAWI3 program in the mentioned region.
During this event, diverse topics were covered, including an explanation of ODCO’s mandates and responsibilities, an introduction to the cooperative sector within the region, and an exploration of the crucial role played by the cooperative sector in the regional economy.
Awareness campaign
On June 22, 2023, during the closing ceremony of the 2022-2023 training session, a special event took place in collaboration with the National Solidarity Organization in the Laayoune Sakia El Hamra region, dedicated to disabled individuals benefiting from the National Solidarity social centers. The regional delegate of ODCO conducted an awareness session within this context.
This session delved into two critical themes for the participants. Firstly, it offered a comprehensive explanation of the procedures for establishing cooperatives. This is particularly significant for disabled individuals engaged in the cooperative creation process, providing them with a pathway to economic empowerment and active involvement in the local economic landscape.
Subsequently, the session illuminated the distinctions between a cooperative, an association, and a business. This clarification is crucial for participants to understand the different forms of organizations and structures available, each with its unique advantages and specific objectives.
In essence, the awareness session provided participants with a valuable opportunity to gain practical knowledge and enhance their understanding of the opportunities within the realm of cooperation and economic engagement. It highlighted the commitment of the regional coordination of the National Solidarity Organization and the ODCO delegation to empower disabled individuals and facilitate their active integration into society
Visit to the AGAR-AGAR cooperative
As part of its annual program, the regional delegation scheduled a visit that took place on March 14, 2023. The primary objective of this visit was to provide essential support to the AGAR AGAR cooperative, located in the rural commune of Tah, in the Tarfaya province, specializing in the collection of marine algae.
The visit aimed to accompany the cooperative in the launch of its new project, which received funding from the Ministry of Maritime Fisheries, in order to ensure the project’s success by offering practical support and strategic guidance.
In essence, this visit demonstrates the commitment of the regional delegation to local economic development, while showcasing its active support for cooperatives in the region in the implementation of promising projects.
Providing Support for Two Cooperatives Benefiting from the INDH Program
As part of the oversight process for cooperatives that received funding through the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) program in the Laayoune Sakia El Hamra region, two on-site visits were conducted to engage with cooperatives specializing in couscous production. The primary objectives of these visits were as follows:
1. Identify the challenges encountered by the cooperatives during the initial phase of their projects. This involved gaining insight into specific obstacles, whether financial, logistical, or related to management.
2. Propose tangible solutions to help the cooperatives overcome these challenges. These solutions could take the form of recommendations, practical advice, or even direct support measures, tailored to the unique needs of each cooperative.
These visits underscore the region’s commitment to the development and sustainability of cooperative projects. Their purpose is to ensure not only the successful launch of these initiatives but also their long-term flourishing, making a significant contribution to improving the living conditions of the local population.
PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS
Generation Green 2020-2023
The regional delegation of ODCO plays an active role in the implementation of national sectoral projects within the Laayoune Sakia El Hamra region. In this context, the delegation provides crucial support to the cooperatives selected to benefit from these projects. A concrete example of this collaboration is the project of the “NISAA TARFAYA” cooperative union, dedicated to the valorization and production of couscous.
This project represents a total investment of 3.38 million MAD, primarily funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests. Its main objective is to create 1,315 workdays while increasing production from 08 to 130 tons.
The regional delegation of ODCO is a key partner in the implementation of this project, ensuring that the beneficiary cooperatives receive adequate support to achieve the set objectives. This approach illustrates the delegation’s commitment to local economic development and the promotion of cooperatives by fostering agricultural production growth and generating significant employment opportunities.
"FORSA" program
As part of the FORSA program, the regional delegation plays an active and engaging role as a member of the regional project selection committee. This involvement is demonstrated by the delegation’s regular participation in all committee meetings held within the Laayoune Sakia El Hamra region.
The regional project selection committee is an essential body within the framework of the FORSA program, as it is tasked with the review and evaluation of proposed projects in the region. These projects may come from various sectors and fields of activity, and their selection is based on rigorous criteria aimed at identifying those with the most promising potential to contribute to the economic and social development of the region.
MOURAFAKA program
In the context of implementing the various phases of the MOURAFAKA program, the regional delegation plays an essential role in ensuring smooth collaboration with the consulting firm responsible for managing this program. This active and close collaboration aims to ensure that each phase of the program progresses efficiently and effectively.
The regional delegation endeavors to create an environment conducive to the program’s success by providing logistical support, facilitating access to necessary resources, and ensuring that the stakeholders involved in the program’s implementation have all the required information at their disposal.
Successful cooperative models
LAAYOUNE DELEGATION
Address: My Rachid Street, Bloc 1 N°16. BP 493. Laâyoune, Morocco
Phone: +(212) 5 28 89 08 02
