Timeline & News
Pilot Implementation of the Living Lab in Portugal



Our Project partner INEGI, has successfully implemented a pilot Living Lab in Tarouquela (Cinfães), Portugal. This demo site showcases the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems within agricultural land, combining renewable energy production with sustainable farming practices.
Implementation
The PV structure was anchored securely using six deep holds to withstand external conditions like strong winds.
The system includes an inverter and a bidirectional meter for grid connection and real-time monitoring of voltage and current.
Raising Awareness Among Young Farmers in the Tafoughalt Commune, Berkane Province, on Optimizing Water Irrigation Through Quinoa Cultivation

Quinoa, a pseudo-cereal with low water requirements compared to traditional cereals, offers a promising solution for efficient water use in agriculture. When properly managed, quinoa requires only 200 to 300 mm of water, distributed strategically across its growth cycle. This makes it an ideal crop for regions facing water scarcity, such as the Tafoughalt commune in Berkane Province.
By adopting quinoa cultivation, young rural farmers in the area can optimize water irrigation practices, reduce water consumption, and enhance agricultural sustainability. Raising awareness about quinoa's benefits and its water-efficient cultivation techniques is essential to empower farmers and promote resilient farming practices in the region.
Optimizing Water Use for Quinoa Farming in Northeast Morocco
With freshwater becoming increasingly scarce, efficient water management is more important than ever! In Berkane, our team, led by Sebastian Heintze in collaboration with ORMVAM, is conducting trials to optimize water use efficiency for quinoa cultivation.
We’re comparing three irrigation strategies:
- Traditional farmer-based irrigation
- FAO’s CROPWAT model-based irrigation
- Soil moisture sensor-based irrigation
This research will help farmers use water more efficiently while maintaining high yields. Stay tuned for more updates!