Morocco's water crisis deepens as dam levels fall to critical 27%

Tuesday 11 February 2025 - 11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's water crisis deepens as dam levels fall to critical 27%

Morocco's dam reservoirs have reached a concerning low of 27.63% capacity, containing just over 4.6 billion cubic meters of water, as the country grapples with persistent drought conditions that are severely impacting its agricultural sector.

The ongoing water scarcity has dealt a particularly harsh blow to Morocco's wheat production, which has seen a dramatic 50% reduction in the 2024 harvest. After six consecutive years of inadequate rainfall, the nation's crucial cereal crops, including wheat, maize, and barley, have experienced significant yield declines.

The severity of the situation became evident in 2023 when wheat production dropped sharply from 6.1 million tons to 3.4 million tons, compelling Morocco to substantially increase its wheat imports to meet domestic demand.

In response to these challenges, the government has implemented a comprehensive national water management strategy. The plan emphasizes water conservation and focuses on developing alternative water sources, particularly seawater desalination.

The country currently operates 12 desalination facilities and has ambitious plans to expand its infrastructure with seven additional plants by 2027. This expansion is expected to boost the total water capacity by 143 million cubic meters. Simultaneously, scientific efforts are underway to develop drought-resistant crop varieties, aiming to help farmers maintain productivity despite increasingly challenging climate conditions.