Support High Atlas community earthquake resilience

September marks one year since the Al Haouz earthquake shook the High Atlas region of Morocco. In the wake of this tragedy, the Global Diversity Foundation (GDF) stepped in with a wide-reaching relief and recovery effort to support the affected communities. Over the past 12 months, GDF’s initiatives have helped restore livelihoods, rebuild critical infrastructure, and provide essential support to thousands of individuals. Here's an overview of the work accomplished so far:

Livelihoods-related Interventions

GDF’s immediate response after the earthquake focused on reviving agricultural activities, which are essential to the region’s economy. Two major seed distributions were organised to support local farmers.

In November 2023, the first seed distribution took place to help restore agricultural activities in earthquake-affected areas. The distribution included 60 tonnes of barley, 2 tonnes of fava beans, 800 kilograms of peas, 90 kilograms of carrots, and 90 kilograms of turnips. This initiative supported 2,650 farmers across approximately 100 villages in the communes of Imegdal, Ijoukak, Talat N'Yaaqoub and Ighil.

In March 2024, the second seed distribution was held, providing 24,100 kilograms of corn, 77 kilograms of courgette, and various quantities of red ball and long green pumpkin seeds. This effort benefitted 2,731 farmers from the same 100 villages in the communes of Imegdal, Ijoukak, Talat N'Yaaqoub and Ighil.

We also worked on rebuilding water infrastructure, which was crucial for both farming and daily life. Extensive assessments were carried out in the communes of Imegdal, Ijoukak, Talat N'Yaaqoub and Ighil to guide reconstruction efforts.

To aid farmers further, veterinary caravans were organised to provide medical care to livestock and working animals. Three caravans were conducted, treating over 2,600 animals. Additionally and in collaboration with local partners, 63 tons of nutrient-rich feed and 1,300 bales of fodder were distributed across 56 villages, supporting farmers as they recovered from their losses. Shelters for livestock were also built, with 65 shelters benefitting 71 families across 8 villages.

Support for Cooperatives

Local cooperatives played a key role in distributing aid and relief materials. Seven cooperatives from six regions acted as focal points in their areas, helping streamline relief efforts. GDF also organised three High Atlas Food Markets to support these cooperatives. These events took place during significant moments such as the Amazigh New Year in January, before the holy month of Ramadan in March, and during the International Society of Ethnobiology Congress in May.

Education Support: Classroom Building and Repair

The earthquake had a significant impact on local schools, damaging learning spaces and disrupting education. We supported recovery efforts by building and repairing 6 learning spaces in the villages of Tizgui n T’Kent, Aguerd and Imedgale in the Imegdal commune, ensuring that approximately 250 students could return to their studies in a safe environment.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Facilities

To address the urgent need for clean water and sanitation, GDF, in collaboration with MBLA, built 40 WASH facilities in the communes of Ijoukak and Talat N'Yaaqoub. These facilities have improved hygiene and access to clean water, enhancing the well-being of the local population.

Atlas Recovery Connect Digital Mapping Project

As part of its cultural heritage preservation efforts, GDF launched the Atlas Recovery Connect Mapping Project to document key heritage sites. The project mapped 7 agricultural terraces, 4 granaries, 14 irrigation canals and basins, 42 nomadic shelters, 3 springs and 69 watermills. Additionally, 86 cooperatives have been mapped to date.

Moving Forward

A year after the earthquake, the recovery process continues. GDF’s efforts to restore livelihoods, education, water access and cultural heritage have provided a lifeline for the affected communities. As we move beyond the one-year mark, we remain committed to supporting these communities on their path to long-term recovery and resilience.

In April, both the villages of Anbdour and Ifourir in Talat N'Yaqoub received essential resources to address immediate shelter-related needs. Specifically, 100 palettes were allocated to assist villagers who still reside in tents, serving purposes such as bedding, furniture, and elevating belongings to prevent moisture damage. Furthermore, fencing material was provided to facilitate the construction of shelters for the donkeys belonging to the community.

Following these distributions, ongoing efforts from our team in Ijoukak and Talat N'Yaqoub have included monitoring and support to aid farmers in maximizing the yield of their crops. Through these interventions, farmers have been equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to cultivate various crops successfully. Among the crops being cultivated are barley, peas, corn, Cucurbitaceae, and faba beans, with farmers beginning to witness the fruits of their labour as their crops flourish.