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Morocco's Agriculture Sector Struggles in Drought, Pushing Unemployment to 20-Year High
In 2023, Morocco witnessed a staggering blow to its job market as drought conditions wreaked havoc on the agriculture sector, historically the nation's primary employer. Unemployment soared to 13%, a rate not seen in over two decades, according to a recent report by the Higher Commission of Planning (HCP).
Last year alone, the agriculture sector hemorrhaged a remarkable 202,000 jobs nationwide, with rural areas bearing the brunt of the losses. Rural regions saw a sweeping disappearance of 207,000 agricultural jobs, only slightly offset by the creation of 5,000 new positions in urban areas.
Experts attribute the sector's devastating job losses to the relentless drought and its catastrophic impact on crops. Morocco's heavy reliance on agriculture for employment, particularly in rural areas, has become increasingly precarious as climate change disrupts traditional rainfall patterns.
While agriculture suffered significant setbacks, other sectors displayed more resilience. Construction saw a boost with the addition of 19,000 new jobs, services contributed 15,000 positions, and industry created 7,000 roles. However, these gains were insufficient to counterbalance the losses in agriculture.
The stark contrast in job losses underscores Morocco's urgent need to diversify its economy beyond the volatile agricultural sector, a priority outlined in the country's 2021 New Development Model. Despite its significance, agriculture's contribution to Morocco's GDP has steadily declined over the past decade, now representing just over 10%.
Additionally, cultural factors contribute to Morocco's persistently high unemployment rates, particularly among women, where it stands at 18%. As of 2022, 80% of working-age women in Morocco remained outside the labor force, reflecting deeply ingrained gender norms.
With climate change threatening the country's agricultural backbone and cultural barriers hindering economic participation, Morocco faces systemic challenges in tackling unemployment. Nonetheless, with a concerted effort towards economic diversification and inclusive policies, experts remain hopeful that the jobs lost to drought can be replaced with new opportunities.