Description and Impact
This project was launched in 2023 and completed in 2024.
Berbara's municipality is taking a proactive step towards fostering economic growth and sustainable agriculture by encouraging local farmers to cultivate carob trees on its extensive lands. Carob trees are renowned for their versatile economic benefits, as their seeds are utilized in the production of various food items such as flour, molasses, syrup, and cocoa substitutes. Additionally, carob trees have applications in cosmetics and medicine. An added advantage is that they are well-suited for cultivation in Berbara due to their minimal water requirements, a scarce commodity in this coastal town.
In support of its initiative, Berbara municipality has procured 1,500 ready-to-plant carob tree rootstocks. Recognizing the potential transformative impact of this cultivation on the local economy, the municipality enlisted the support of SEAL to restore 25,000 m2 of its lands for carob tree cultivation, including the installation of irrigation systems and water tanks, ensuring optimal conditions for the successful growth of the carob trees.
It's important to note that while carob trees take six years to yield, this initiative is a cost-effective, long-term investment. The primary goals are to empower local farmers, generate income through land cultivation, and create job opportunities in the production of carob by-products.
