Water, agriculture, and climate: a study of Moroccan agricultural water management policy

Abstract

Morocco is grappling with the severe effects of climate change, causing droughts and decreasing annual precipitation. Agriculture, a significant sector of the economy and livelihood for a significant portion of the population, is facing the brunt of this, necessitating the adoption of water-efficient technologies. This paper examines agricultural water management practices in Morocco and the state policies, such as Law 10-95, the Green Morocco Plan, and the National Program for Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation. The Green Morocco Plan successfully promoted water-efficient techniques like drip irrigation, but inadvertently increased water intensity, exacerbating the scarcity. The paper suggests a reorientation of Morocco's agricultural strategy towards self-sufficiency in traditional crops and a sustainable approach to water resource management. It also calls for the involvement of the greater community, education, and women's integration in the agricultural workforce to build a more resilient population. The analysis concludes with recommendations for policy adjustments that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, suggesting a shift towards renewable energy and alternative water sources like desalination, albeit with caution due to associated environmental and economic costs.