Water Crisis Deepens in Morocco: Government Invests in Desalination to Support Agriculture

Thursday 05 December 2024 - 16:40

By: Dakir Madiha

Water Crisis Deepens in Morocco: Government Invests in Desalination to Support Agriculture

Morocco is grappling with a severe water crisis as drought conditions persist, significantly impacting its agricultural sector. During a parliamentary session, Minister of Agriculture Mohamed El Bouari highlighted the critical state of the nation’s water resources, with agricultural dams operating at only 28% capacity, holding 3.9 billion cubic meters of water.

A Persistent Drought

For nearly six years, Morocco has faced diminishing rainfall, with precipitation levels dropping by over 40% from the norm. This has led to a staggering 75% decrease in water reserves and the rapid depletion of underground aquifers. Rainfall this year has ranged from an alarming 31 millimeters to 627 millimeters nationwide, far below average levels.

Strategic Government Measures

To address the crisis, the government has allocated 713 million cubic meters of water to key irrigation zones, including Loukkos, Gharb, Moulouya, Tafilalet, and Ouarzazate. However, irrigation restrictions remain in place in regions such as Tadla, Doukkala, Al Haouz, and Souss-Massa, which depend on replenished dam reserves.

The government has also implemented measures to conserve water during the current agricultural season, prioritizing permanent crops like fruit trees, issuing temporary groundwater extraction permits, and monitoring dam levels closely.

Investing in Desalination

Desalination has emerged as a cornerstone of Morocco’s strategy to secure a sustainable water supply. The country has fast-tracked desalination projects to produce over 1.7 billion cubic meters of water annually, easing the strain on conventional resources and redirecting water for agricultural use.

Key projects include a nearly complete plant in Dakhla with an annual capacity of 37 million cubic meters and a major facility in Casablanca capable of producing 300 million cubic meters, 50 million of which will support irrigation. Additional plants are under development in Tangier, Rabat, and Souss-Massa, with a facility in the latter region expected to provide 350 million cubic meters annually, including 250 million for agriculture.

A National Call to Action

In his Throne Speech, King Mohammed VI emphasized the importance of water conservation as a national responsibility. He urged citizens and stakeholders to use water rationally and responsibly, highlighting the significant investments made in desalination projects and the need to combat waste and misuse.

Morocco’s comprehensive approach underscores its commitment to mitigating the impact of water scarcity and ensuring the sustainability of its agricultural sector in the face of mounting environmental challenges.