Inflation’s Toll: How Rising Costs Impact Moroccan Women’s Health

Wednesday 14 August 2024 - 10:16

Morocco is grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis, deeply affecting hunger and anemia rates among young women. Despite post-COVID economic growth, inflation has strained middle and lower-income families, leading to increased food insecurity.

Economic Struggles and Food Scarcity

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlights troubling trends in Morocco's food availability. While GDP growth continues, the surging cost of consumer goods has reduced disposable income, exacerbating undernourishment. The number of undernourished people has risen from 1.3 million pre-pandemic to 2.6 million today.

Declining Nutrition

Moroccans' access to protein has diminished, dropping from 102.4 grams daily in 2017-2019 to 99.2 grams. Similarly, consumption of meat, dairy, fish, and eggs has decreased from 31.8 grams to 29.2 grams per day.

Agricultural Challenges

The government faces mounting challenges as the population grows but farmland remains stagnant. Agricultural exports, crucial for foreign currency, strain water resources. Morocco’s fruit exports have doubled, making it the fourth-largest tomato exporter globally. Yet, the country imports $610 million in food from the US and relies heavily on foreign cereals.

Policy Recommendations

To address these issues, the FAO suggests increasing fertilizer availability and modernizing agriculture, a focus for institutions like UM6P. Strengthening policy frameworks for food security and promoting nutrition and social protection programs are also key recommendations.

Morocco's inflation crisis underscores an urgent need for strategic solutions to ensure food security and improve public health.