From Sahrawi phosphate to sustainable agriculture in extreme conditions

Western Sahara is an area on the north-west coast of Africa, which was a Spanish colony up until 1975, when Morocco annexed the territory. Ever since, the Sahrawi people, led by the Polisario Front, have been fighting to regain control.

Morocco's interest in the territory is no coincidence, as it stands out for its particularly rich phosphate reserves. This mineral is essential to manufacture fertiliser, but is scarce in that it cannot yet be synthesised in a laboratory. It is known as "Sahara gold". Phosphates represent 20% of Morocco's exports (three quarters of global reserves under its control) and account for 5% of its GDP.

Within this context, two points need to be made. The first concerns the growing criticism of the mineral. Over the last 60 years, phosphates have been overused as fertilisers in global agriculture, polluting groundwater and causing large areas of eutrophication (excessive concentration of nutrients in the water, which reduces the oxygen content), with a devastating impact on the environment.

The second point is a plaudit for the Sahrawi people. Forced into a sedentary lifestyle in refugee camps in Algeria, despite their traditionally nomadic culture, they have set about producing their own food by creating more than 500 organic agriculture allotments. This represents huge progress in terms of food sovereignty for a community heavily dependent on the United Nations World Food Programme. Organic, hydroponic, sustainable allotments allowing them to resist, educate and feed themselves and their hopes.

Film:DESERT PHOSfate