Morocco’s avocado boom thrives amid worsening water crisis

Tuesday 09 September 2025 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco’s avocado boom thrives amid worsening water crisis

Morocco has solidified its position as Africa’s third-largest avocado producer, even as the country grapples with severe drought and mounting water scarcity. This paradox of agricultural expansion amid environmental strain highlights the challenge of balancing economic growth with sustainability.

Morocco climbs Africa’s avocado rankings

Recent agricultural statistics reveal that Morocco produced approximately 118,666 tons of avocados during the 2023–2024 season, trailing only Kenya and Ethiopia on the continent. The following year saw a sharp rise in production, surpassing an additional 10,000 tons, with export revenues nearing $179 million.

The rapid expansion of the avocado sector has been driven by a threefold increase in plantation areas, which grew from 4,000 hectares in 2018 to over 12,000 hectares by the last season. Morocco’s primary export markets are Spain, France, and the Netherlands, where consumer demand for avocados continues to surge.

Leading African producers

Kenya remains Africa’s leading avocado producer with 542,278 tons harvested last season, followed by Ethiopia with 167,557 tons. Morocco ranks third, ahead of South Africa, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. Globally, Kenya is the sixth-largest producer, behind avocado giants like Mexico, Colombia, and Peru.

Water scarcity and growing criticism

Morocco’s agricultural success comes against a backdrop of severe water shortages, with reservoir levels plummeting to 34.22% capacity in the summer of 2025 following six years of consecutive drought. Authorities have implemented measures such as restricting the slaughter of female livestock and promoting water conservation campaigns, but these efforts have been criticized as insufficient.

Critics argue that water-intensive crops like avocados exacerbate the crisis. Legislator Fatima Tamni has called for restrictions on the cultivation and export of such crops, citing the unsustainable strain on the country’s limited water resources.

Despite these concerns, Morocco’s avocado exports have continued to expand. By June 2025, the country had surpassed the 100,000-ton mark, illustrating the tension between economic opportunity and environmental fragility.