Agriculture

The area dedicated to date cultivation in the region exceeds 2,300 hectares, with an estimated annual production of 2,380 tons of various varieties adapted to the regional climate. The main oases are located in the provinces of Guelmim and Assa-Zag. Among the varieties of dates cultivated in the region are Boufeggous, Bousskri, Mejhoul, Jihel, Najda, and Khalt.

The argan tree plays a key role in preserving biodiversity while providing economic and social opportunities to rural populations. The argan forest covers more than 127,000 hectares, with an annual production of approximately 649 tons of argan oil.

The cactus is an ancestral plant widely distributed in the region, particularly in the provinces of Guelmim, Sidi Ifni, Assa-Zag, and Tan-Tan. A program to replant cactus resistant to cochineal has been implemented over an area of ​​26,000 hectares. The cactus harvest period extends from June to December, which generates economic activity in the areas where it is cultivated.

Olive cultivation extends mainly to the north of the region, in the provinces of Guelmim and Sidi Ifni, over an area of ​​approximately 2,570 hectares, with an annual production of more than 2,620 tons. The majority of olive groves are located in the communes of Abaynou, Tagant, Bouizakarne, Ifrane Atlas Saghir, and Timoulay in Guelmim, as well as in Boutroch and Ibdar in the province of Sidi Ifni.

In recent years, the region has seen the creation of many modern farms covering more than 3,000 hectares, equipped with drip irrigation systems, allowing the production of a variety of vegetables and fruits. Annual production reaches approximately 119,000 tons, mainly concentrated in the province of Guelmim. Part of this production is intended for the local market, while high-value products, such as cherry tomatoes and watermelons, are exported.

The plants have long been used by local populations for medicinal purposes and for making perfumes. Desert areas continue to benefit from these plants, in particular thanks to the skills passed down through the generations, especially among Saharan women. Among the most common plants are acacia (talh), which covers 91% of the regional forests, with approximately 470,000 hectares, as well as henna (251 hectares), thyme, wormwood (shiha) and akkaya.

Camel breeding plays a major socio-economic role, with the dromedary occupying an important place in Saharan culture. Among the main local breeds are the Marmouri (dairy breed), the Khouari (meat breed) and the Kerzani (breed with low milk production, but high in protein).

Herds of sheep and goats contribute significantly to the meat and dairy needs of the Guelmim-Oued Noun region. The livestock numbers approximately 240,000 heads of sheep and 172,000 heads of goats, mainly composed of local breeds adapted to the conditions of the region, such as the D’man breed.

Beekeeping in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region produces various types of honey thanks to the diversity of the local flora. The region is particularly known for its “little yellow bee”, adapted to the desert climate. The varieties of honey produced include daghmous, acacia, akkaya, thyme, and flower honey. The region has approximately 49,200 hives, with an annual production of 316 tons of honey.