An Italian Agricultural Project In The Sahrawi Refugee Camps Of Tindouf
An Italian volunteer association is conducting a final inspection of an agricultural project in the Sahrawi refugee camps in south-western Tindouf Province, funded by the Italian Prime Minister’s Office, before its inauguration on December 15. The project involves the establishment of five greenhouse farms for vegetable production using irrigation, with the aim of achieving self-sufficiency in these products for the camps.
Italian media reported in this regard that Michele Sabatino, the head of the volunteer charity association “Luciano Lamma,” will arrive in Algeria on Monday, December 9, and then move to the Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf to conduct a final inspection of the project called “Vegetables in the Desert,” which is nearing completion.
It noted that he will be accompanied by the project’s technical director, Mr. Pasquale Mozzachia.
It involves the establishment of 5 greenhouse farms made of iron structures, which will be dedicated to growing various types of vegetables, with the aim of achieving self-sufficiency in these materials for all Sahrawi refugee camps. They will produce peppers, eggplants, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, and more, each covering an area of 150 square meters. They will be equipped with a hydroponic system based on Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), which allows for the complete recovery of the nutrient solution, thereby reducing water and fertilizer consumption and improving environmental sustainability.
This sustainable project, which the Italian volunteer association claims was completed for the Sahrawi people, was funded by the Italian Prime Minister’s Office, according to the same sources, through the “Eight per Thousand” fund. It will be officially inaugurated on December 15 of this year and is based on sustainability as well as the production of vegetables and fruits in a harsh climate that does not meet the necessary conditions.
The association states that the project aims to reduce the time taken to obtain products such as vegetables, use very low levels of pesticides and fertilizers, eliminate soil-related diseases, increase agricultural yield, and train camp residents in sustainable agriculture, focusing on above-ground crops and hydroponic techniques. This skills transfer will ensure the continuity and long-term success of crops, providing the Sahrawi people with the tools needed to face future challenges with greater independence.
According to the volunteer charity association “Luciano Lama,” this project represents an important achievement for them, a significant contribution to the dignity and resilience of the Sahrawi people, and a confirmation that international cooperation can change people’s lives even in the most difficult contexts.
