Agriculture accounts for approximately 15% of the Kingdom’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employs nearly 40% of the workforce. However, this sector is extremely vulnerable to climate hazards. In 2023, the country experienced its sixth consecutive year of drought, with rainfall 55% below the annual average. This situation led to a significant decline in agricultural yields. The area sown to major cereal crops decreased by 33%, from 3.67 million hectares to just 2.47 million hectares.
This reduction has had a direct impact on production, jeopardizing national food security.
Declining water resources Morocco is one of the countries most affected by water stress. Agriculture consumes approximately 80% of the country’s water industry email list resources. Dependence on irrigation is particularly pronounced, with only 20 to 25% of agricultural land irrigated, but accounting for nearly 65% of the monetary value of crops produced. Decreased rainfall and depletion of groundwater are exacerbating the situation.
Dams were at historically low levels until February 2025, and traditional water sources are no longer sufficient to meet the needs of the agricultural sector.
In response to these challenges, the government has implemented several programs aimed at strengthening the resilience of the agricultural creating a wordpress blog with tati uribe sector. In December 2024, the World Bank approved $250 million in financing for the Agri-Food Systems Transformation Program in Morocco.
This program aims to promote climate-smart agricultural practices, improve water and soil management, and strengthen food security. In addition, techniques such as direct seeding, conservation agriculture, and the use of less water-intensive grape varieties are being encouraged to cope with new climate conditions. This transformation could include crop diversification, reduced dependence on water-intensive crops, and better integration of digital technologies to optimize resources.
According to experts, climate change is forcing Morocco to make a crucial choice:
Continue to gradually adapt its agricultural practices or undertake a structural revolution in the sector. Current initiatives demonstrate a willingness australia cell numbers to change, but the scale of the challenges requires bolder and more coordinated actions. The future of Moroccan agriculture will depend on the country’s ability to innovate, invest in sustainable solutions, and mobilize all stakeholders around a shared vision for resilient and equitable development.