As hoped when Ramadan ended our official work began. In the last few weeks we have had several meetings with the local community association to discuss relevant project ideas and implementation scenarios. We are looking at a large irrigation project which would include installing a solar pump to a pre-existing well and storage facility as well as a 10-15 hectare tree planting of some argan, almond, apple and possibly prickly pear, in addition to a drip irrigation system and a new water line to the village. Concurrently, we are trying to start an official women’s co-op to produce argan oil, amalou and other products from the planting.

In our first meeting Dave and I sat at the front of the room at the big official desk with the mini Moroccan flag, while 15 men at varying stages of face wrinkle wearing differing head coverings of hats and scarves and several combinations and lengths of facial hair stared back at us with one thing in common: their facial expression. One that said, what can these foreigners do for us, they can barely speak our language, they didn’t fast during Ramadan and barely look strong enough to last one day in the fields during harvest.

Once we began we explained to them about Peace Corps and the potential projects that had been previously preposed for their community. We tried to stress the importance of a solar pump over an electric one and planting at least a few argan trees to see if they will regenerate in this area. For the most part I think everyone understood and mostly agreed. When we were done with our piece, the president of the association took over to review the letter he had drafted to the Department of Water and Forests (W&F) to inform them of the association’s interest in participating in an experimental argan plot. In the end, the letter was well received and we set a plan to walk the planting site the next afternoon to inspect boundaries and planting areas.

A few days later another letter was drafted to the Office of Co-op Development (ODECO) in Agadir to invite someone from their office to come speak with the women of our Duar about starting an official co-op. Another 4 days later we finally had both letters (1 to the Dept. of W&F and 1 to ODECO) signed and stamped and ready for delivery.