Morocco – In response to the escalating problem of desertification affecting a third of the Earth’s land surface, a Moroccan startup named Sand to Green has developed a groundbreaking method to transform desert patches into sustainable and profitable plantations. Co-founder and Chief Agricultural Officer Wissal Ben Moussa shared this innovative approach aimed at combating the degradation of fertile land, which directly impacts 250 million people globally.

According to TourismAfrica2006, Sand to Green’s method employs agroforestry to create resilient and sustainable agriculture, countering the effects of climate change. The technique is adaptable anywhere near a source of brackish water. Utilizing solar-powered technology, Sand to Green desalinates this water and employs drip irrigation to minimize evaporation, supporting the growth of various fruit trees and herbs through intercropping. The startup revitalizes the soil using “green manure,” a blend that includes compost, biochar, and microorganisms, effectively “waking up” the soil and enhancing its water retention capability.

In a trial conducted since 2017 in southern Morocco, Sand to Green experimented with different plants to identify the most effective ones. Ben Moussa highlighted carob, fig, and pomegranate trees as top performers, noting their resilience and high-value produce. Intercropped herbs like rosemary, geranium, vetiver, and citronella have proven successful due to their low maintenance and high profitability.

This approach aligns with the pressing global need to address land degradation, as reported by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. The review revealed that land degradation could lead to a global economic loss of $23 trillion by 2050, while proactive measures would cost substantially less. With drought and land degradation impacting 169 countries, particularly in Asia and Africa, innovative solutions like those of Sand to Green are becoming increasingly vital.

Sand to Green is scaling up its operations, planning a 20-hectare commercial site in southern Morocco. The project, estimated to cost €450,000 (about $475,000), is expected to start generating financial returns within five years. The company’s method promises to create biodiversity, resulting in healthier crops, better soil, and increased yields compared to monoculture plantations. Ben Moussa envisions offering these plantations as “green investments,” with revenues shared between investors and Sand to Green.

The company, which raised $1 million in seed funding earlier this year, has plans for an additional 500-hectare project in Morocco. Sand to Green’s techniques could be applicable in various countries with access to brackish water, offering a potential solution to global desertification challenges.