On the 11th of January, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, J-PAL, and OCP Nutricrops co-organized the UJALA Policy Conference at UM6P Campus in Rabat. The event focused on practical ways to integrate empirical research into agricultural policy design amid diverse production systems, climate-related risks, and increasing pressure on natural resources.
The conference gathered more than 300 participants from academic and institutional backgrounds. Discussions also examined the links between agricultural policy, climate change, and social conditions. Pr. Esther Duflo, Professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a Nobel Laureate in Economics, highlighted the disproportionate climate impacts on low- and middle-income countries and vulnerable communities, emphasizing the need for innovation and transformation in agricultural systems.
Participants underscored the importance of moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches to develop mechanisms that can adapt to local constraints and change over time. These insights aim to improve public policy design and support informed agricultural investment.