In Morocco, a six-year drought has taken a toll on the country's agriculture sector, particularly impacting farmers who grow cereals and grains essential for both human and livestock consumption. The diminished harvest this year is projected to be smaller in volume and acreage compared to the previous year, leading to unemployment among farmers and an increased reliance on imports and government subsidies to stabilize staple food prices.
Climate change is exacerbating the situation, with hotter and drier conditions affecting crop yields globally. In North Africa, irregular weather patterns and delayed rains have disrupted the growing season, making it challenging for farmers to plan effectively.
With cereals occupying a significant portion of farmland in Morocco and employing a large rural workforce, the drought has forced some farmers to leave fields fallow and reduced the productivity of cultivated areas. The government has responded by implementing water restrictions in urban and rural areas, rationing water for agricultural use.
This year's wheat harvest is expected to yield approximately 3.4 million tons, a significant decrease from the previous year's 6.1 million tons. The amount of land under cultivation has also shrunk considerably, exacerbating the crisis in the agriculture sector.
As Morocco increases its reliance on wheat imports, the government faces the challenge of sustaining subsidies to ensure affordability of essential food items for households and livestock farmers. The country's status as a major wheat importer underscores the severity of the situation, especially as key wheat-producing countries like France are also experiencing reduced harvests.
Experts emphasize that while Morocco has faced droughts in the past, the current situation is exacerbated by climate change. The need for long-term strategies to mitigate the impact of droughts and ensure food security is becoming increasingly urgent in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
