December 29, 2023 - Morocco is grappling with an unprecedented agricultural crisis and water scarcity triggered by a six-year-long persistent drought. The government has issued an emergency alert, expressing concerns about the future economic prospects.
The latest reports indicate that the recent drought has severely impacted crops, posing a serious threat to Morocco's agricultural season. Agricultural experts warn that due to three consecutive months of drought, agricultural production could see a significant decline. The projected wheat production for the 2023/2024 agricultural season in Morocco is estimated at 75 million bushels, but due to the lack of rainfall, this forecast becomes increasingly difficult to achieve. Experts state that if there is still a lack of rainfall in the next two months, it could lead to a complete failure of the agricultural season, with wheat production potentially not exceeding 20 million bushels.
Morocco's water resource issue has also garnered widespread attention. Minister of Water Affairs Nizar Baraka recently issued a warning, noting a sharp decrease in reservoir water levels, currently at only 37%. This has a direct impact on the country's economy, as agriculture contributes between 12% and 14% to the GDP. Experts predict that if the water resource crisis persists, it will lead to an increase in unemployment, especially affecting job opportunities in rural areas. Additionally, to meet the country's food demands, there may be an increase in imports, posing a threat to foreign exchange reserves and presenting new challenges to public finances.
Representatives from the government and the agricultural sector emphasize that under the current circumstances, Morocco needs to take urgent measures to mitigate the impact of this agricultural and water resource crisis. They call on the international community to provide support to help Morocco overcome this severe crisis.
The latest reports indicate that the recent drought has severely impacted crops, posing a serious threat to Morocco's agricultural season. Agricultural experts warn that due to three consecutive months of drought, agricultural production could see a significant decline. The projected wheat production for the 2023/2024 agricultural season in Morocco is estimated at 75 million bushels, but due to the lack of rainfall, this forecast becomes increasingly difficult to achieve. Experts state that if there is still a lack of rainfall in the next two months, it could lead to a complete failure of the agricultural season, with wheat production potentially not exceeding 20 million bushels.
Morocco's water resource issue has also garnered widespread attention. Minister of Water Affairs Nizar Baraka recently issued a warning, noting a sharp decrease in reservoir water levels, currently at only 37%. This has a direct impact on the country's economy, as agriculture contributes between 12% and 14% to the GDP. Experts predict that if the water resource crisis persists, it will lead to an increase in unemployment, especially affecting job opportunities in rural areas. Additionally, to meet the country's food demands, there may be an increase in imports, posing a threat to foreign exchange reserves and presenting new challenges to public finances.
Representatives from the government and the agricultural sector emphasize that under the current circumstances, Morocco needs to take urgent measures to mitigate the impact of this agricultural and water resource crisis. They call on the international community to provide support to help Morocco overcome this severe crisis.
