Revolutionizing Agriculture: Innovative Moroccan Startup Thrives by Cultivating Crops in Arid Deserts

Climate change has led to an escalating issue of desertification, directly impacting approximately 250 million individuals as fertile land continues to degrade. This problem encompasses one-third of the Earth's land surface, as reported by the United Nations, with regions in Africa, South America, southern Europe, China, and the United States experiencing parched conditions. The restoration of arid land and its conversion into agricultural fields holds significant importance in guaranteeing sustenance for the global population.

Sand to Green is a pioneering Moroccan startup that aims to convert barren desert areas into thriving and profitable plantations within a span of just five years. Wissal Ben Moussa, the co-founder and chief agricultural officer, champions the notion that to combat desertification, it is imperative to adopt agroforestry as a means to establish a resilient and sustainable form of agriculture that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change.

The system has the capability to be deployed in close proximity to a brackish water source. Sand to Green employs solar-powered technology to desalinate the water. Subsequently, a combination of fruit-producing trees and herbs are cultivated in the same area, a technique known as intercropping. The roots of these plants are then directly irrigated with the desalinated water through a drip system, aiming to minimize evaporation.

To revitalize the soil, Sand to Green utilizes a combination of compost, biochar, and microorganisms, referred to as "green manure." According to Ben Moussa, this mixture helps awaken and rejuvenate the soil. Additionally, biochar, a type of charcoal, aids in retaining water in arid soils.

This allows some herbs to be ready for harvest after just two years.

Wissal Ben Moussa, Sand to Green co-founder and chief agricultural officer.

Sand to Green

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In a trial spanning five hectares in southern Morocco, Sand to Green has been conducting experiments since 2017 to determine the most successful plants. Among Ben Moussa's top three favorite trees, which are native to our targeted regions and boast valuable produce, are carob, fig, and pomegranate. Additionally, we have successfully trialed intercropping herbs such as rosemary, geranium, vetiver, and citronella, which Ben Moussa considers to be low-maintenance and highly profitable.

Reviving the desert

According to a 2018 report conducted by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, the global economy is projected to suffer a staggering loss of $23 trillion by 2050 due to land degradation. However, taking immediate and decisive action to address this issue would only require a fraction of that amount, namely $4.6 trillion. It is important to note that land degradation and drought impact a total of 169 countries worldwide, with Asia and Africa being the regions most severely affected.

Efforts to cultivate crops in desert environments are expanding. The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture is successfully growing superfoods that are able to withstand high salt levels in the sandy soil of Dubai. In Tanzania, non-profit organizations are utilizing earth mounds, called bunds, to capture and channel water into parched ground, revitalizing the growth of grasses.

The organization Sand to Green is now focused on scaling up their operations to establish a 20-hectare commercial proof-of-concept site in southern Morocco. This ambitious project is estimated to require approximately €450,000 ($475,000) for establishment and is expected to generate financial returns within five years.

Ben Moussa states that the system creates biodiversity, resulting in improved soil quality, healthier crops, and increased crop yields. The plantation developed through this system can generate 1.5 times more yield and revenue compared to a monoculture plantation in the same area. The plan is to commercialize the process, dividing each land into plantations that will be offered as "green investments." Sand to Green will oversee every stage of the process, from the beginning to the end, and the generated revenues will be shared between the investors and Sand to Green.

Earlier this year, the company secured $1 million in seed funding and has future plans to implement a 500-hectare project in Morocco. Sand to Green's innovative techniques hold promise for application in various countries such as Mauritania, Senegal, Namibia, Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula, select regions in the United States, and the Mexican coast. Ben Moussa highlights the significant advantage of abundant brackish water resources found in coastal areas, allowing for global reach.