A merchant bringing his wares to market in Marrakech
WHAT’S
THEIR
SECRET?
Here, the entire philosophy of farming is
unique. Less than 30% of land in Morocco is
privately owned. Nearly half of the country is
communal land, with the majority of farmers
operating on fewer than 12 acres. Unlike the
U.S. with its abundant monoculture — the
modern practice of using private land to farm
a single crop — Moroccan farmers lean on
ancient wisdom.
Instead of rows and rows of identical crops,
imagine a lush forest garden that almost
supports itself, often without the intervention
of modern machines or chemicals. Roaming
cattle graze on the dropped shells and hulls
of almond trees, which in turn, thrive on the
soil fertilized naturally by the cattle. Guavas,
mulberries, tamarind and no fewer than
17 varieties of citrus flourish in the shade of
tall date palms. Donkeys carry bags spilling
over with bananas, figs, pomegranates
and other fruits and nuts. It’s a style of
polyculture farming that’s been practiced
since Biblical times.
18 | SELECT · 2020