Reminder: this blog does not represent the UNCCD's views.
Morocco, one of North Africa’s most drought-prone nations, is facing a severe crisis that threatens its agriculture and food security. A six-year drought, exacerbated by climate change, has deeply impacted the country's cereal farmers, whose fields of wheat, maize, and barley once sustained both human and livestock consumption. The drought has not only reduced crop yields but has also transformed Morocco’s agricultural landscape, leading to significant economic and social challenges. As Morocco grapples with these difficulties, the government and agricultural sector are employing innovative strategies to combat the water crisis and safeguard the nation’s food supply.
The Impact of Drought on Morocco’s Agriculture
Morocco’s agriculture sector is highly vulnerable to changing climate patterns, especially the delayed and inconsistent rainfall that has plagued the country for years. Cereals, which occupy the majority of Morocco’s farmland, have seen a dramatic decline in both yield and acreage. In 2023, Morocco’s wheat harvest is projected to yield only 3.4 million tons, compared to the 6.1 million tons harvested the previous year. This decline has forced many farmers to leave their fields fallow, reducing both productivity and income.
The ongoing drought has also led to a reliance on wheat imports to meet domestic demand. Between January and June 2023, Morocco imported nearly 2.5 million tons of wheat, primarily from France. However, this solution may not be sustainable, as France itself faces declining harvests due to similar climate challenges. The Food and Agriculture Organization ranked Morocco as the sixth-largest wheat importer in the world in 2023, highlighting the growing dependence on external sources for staple foods.
Government Initiatives: Water Management and Desalination
Recognizing the severity of the drought, the Moroccan government has intensified its efforts to address the country's water scarcity. One key initiative is the implementation of a national water management strategy, aligned with guidelines set out by King Mohammed VI. This comprehensive strategy aims to mitigate the impact of the drought through water conservation measures and the diversification of water sources.
Seawater desalination has emerged as a cornerstone of Morocco’s water management efforts. Currently, the country operates 12 desalination plants with a total capacity of 179.3 million cubic meters of water per year. Plans are in place to construct seven additional desalination plants by 2027, which will increase capacity by another 143 million cubic meters. This ambitious plan reflects Morocco’s commitment to addressing its annual water demand, which exceeds 16 billion cubic meters—87% of which is used for agriculture. Yet, over the past five years, available water resources have not surpassed 5 million cubic meters annually, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Scientific and Agricultural Innovations
Beyond infrastructure, Moroccan farmers are adopting climate-smart agricultural practices to cope with the drought. The development of drought-resistant seeds has been a significant advancement in this regard. Research centers such as the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) are pioneering the development of resilient genotypes that can withstand both drought and heat while maintaining high yields. These "elite lines" of grain, including wheat and barley, have shown promising results, with some farmers achieving yields as high as four tons per hectare, even with minimal rainfall.
ICARDA’s research has led to the approval of six new wheat and barley varieties by Moroccan agricultural authorities. However, bureaucratic delays in the certification process have hindered the timely distribution of these new seeds to farmers. Researchers argue that streamlining the approval process is crucial to ensuring that these innovations reach farmers quickly and help mitigate the effects of drought on crop yields.
Conclusion
Morocco's drought crisis is a stark reminder of the growing threat that climate change poses to food security, particularly in vulnerable regions like North Africa. The Moroccan government’s proactive measures, from seawater desalination to national water management strategies, reflect a determined effort to address these challenges. At the same time, scientific advancements in agricultural practices and the development of resilient crop varieties offer hope for the future. As Morocco continues to navigate the challenges of water scarcity, it is clear that innovation and adaptation will be key to ensuring a sustainable agricultural future in the face of climate change.
Sources:
Atalayar. (2024, August 6). Morocco steps up its strategy to combat the water crisis. https://www.atalayar.com/en/articulo/society/morocco-steps-up-its-strategy-to-combat-the-water-crisis/20240806061000203711
Atalayar. (2024, May 6). With the help of science, Moroccan farmers try new techniques to defy drought. https://www.atalayar.com/en/articulo/society/with-the-help-of-science-moroccan-farmers-try-new-techniques-to-defy-drought/20240506170000199703
Atalayar. (2023, August 31). Morocco adopts pioneering measures to fight drought. https://www.atalayar.com/en/articulo/politics/morocco-adopts-pioneering-measures-to-fight-drought/20230831171154190294
Copernicus. (2024, August 3). Prolonged drought in Morocco. https://www.copernicus.eu/en/media/image-day-gallery/prolonged-drought-morocco
AP News. (2024, July 10). Morocco grain harvest slashed by drought and climate change. https://apnews.com/article/morocco-grain-harvest-climate-change-agriculture-drought-34dc3fefa4a6ab182e4a5c3c70c90751