Overview

Application Process

• Carefully review the required application information (see below).
• Complete the online application form by no later than midnight (11:59 pm EST), April 5, 2025.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Nathan Weyandt (ndw5072@psu.edu). Please include “Info CLS Hackathon 2025 Morocco” as the subject of your email.

Required Application Information

Applicant Information

• Full name
• WhatsApp Number (with country code)
• University/Organization
• Department or Unit
• Position
• Country of Residence
• Nationality
• Valid Passport to travel to Morocco? Passport must be valid for at least 6 months at time of travel.
• Visa required to travel to Morocco?

Academic Background

• Are you currently enrolled in a PhD program?
• If yes to the previous question, which institution?
• If yes to the previous question, in which year did you start the PhD program?
• If you have completed your PhD, in which year was your degree formally granted?
• If you have completed your PhD, which institution granted it?
• Please provide the title of your dissertation (or for current PhD students who do not have one – provide a brief description of your research in 20 words or less).

About the Candidate

• How Did You Hear About SustainFood CLS?
• Briefly (in 200 words maximum) let us know about your educational background and how it is related you to the WEF nexus theme of the CLS.
• Describe your most proficient skill or expertise in one sentence.
• Briefly (in 200 words maximum) let us know about your WEF nexus related work experiences and skills and how you think these can improve your ability to contribute to the WEF nexus theme of the CLS.
• Briefly (in 200 words maximum) tell us about any community engagement experience you have and how you think it would help you with the WEF nexus theme of the CLS.
• What professional networks are you part of? State at least 3 networks
• Briefly (in 200 words maximum) tell us how this community engagement and networking experience will help you reach your scholarly or career goals.
• Do you intend to continue participating in the US-Africa SustainFood network?
• How do you intend to participate?
• How do you plan to disseminate learnings from the CLS within your broader professional networks?
• Please choose from among this list of activities you are interested in participating in following the CLS and SustainFood network? – blogs, policy briefs, and research proposals.
• Do you have experience in Hackathons If yes please explain.
• Please check your preferred in working in the following areas: (see photos above)

Rehamna Province

Bouchane:

Bouchane, a rural commune in Rhamna Province, characterized by a semi-arid landscape with flat to gently undulating terrain, interspersed with occasional rocky outcrops. The region experiences low annual rainfall, averaging around 230 mm, making water availability a challenge for agriculture. Despite this, local farmers have adapted by cultivating drought-resistant crops such as quinoa, olives and figs. Livestock farming, particularly sheep, goats, cattle, and poultry, plays a crucial role in the local economy, providing meat, milk, and wool. The region also features drought-resistant vegetation, including cacti, which aid in soil conservation and erosion control.

Jaafra:

Jaafra, another rural commune in the Rhamna region, shares similar semi-arid conditions with Bouchane but has distinct agricultural practices. The area’s landscape is dominated by dry plains with scattered vegetation and agroforestry systems suitable for livestock farming. Sheep and goats are the primary livestock raised, benefiting from the hardy native pastures that can withstand prolonged dry spells. Agriculture in Jaafra is centered around traditional crops like barley and wheat, along with an increasing emphasis on drought-resistant fruit trees such as olives. Limited water resources make irrigation a challenge, leading farmers to rely on sustainable and water-efficient practices.

Al Haouz Province 

Amizmiz:

Amizmiz, located at the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, boasts a rich agricultural heritage. The region is renowned for its olive and apple cultivation. The extensive olive production has led to the establishment of four processing units managed by cooperatives, and the olive oil produced here has been granted the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, underscoring its quality and regional significance. In addition to olives and apples, local farmers cultivate walnuts, pomegranates, cherries, almonds, and various vegetables. Beekeeping is also practiced, contributing to the production of honey. The region’s agriculture is further enriched by the cultivation of medicinal plants, reflecting a diverse and sustainable farming system.

Asni:

Asni is a village located in Morocco’s Al Haouz province, approximately 50 kilometers south of Marrakesh, nestled in the High Atlas Mountains. Asni’s agricultural system is shaped by its mountainous terrain and semi-arid climate, with farming adapted to altitudinal variations and water availability. The region relies on terraced agriculture, where farmers cultivate cereals such as barley along riverbanks and on small irrigated plots. Fruit orchards, particularly apples, thrive in the cooler mountain air, alongside walnuts and almonds, which provide additional sources of income. Livestock farming, mainly sheep and goats, plays a crucial role in local livelihoods, with animals grazing on natural pastures in the surrounding hills.

• Please indicate by ranking from 1-3 which of the following you think you can best contribute to the team work for the Hackathon:
  • Systems modeling
  • Design thinking
  • Water resources
  • Energy resources
  • Agricultural resources
  • Socio- economic analysis
  • Other

References

• Name and Title of Academic or Professional Supervisor