A new program is set to enhance the resilience of Morocco’s agricultural sector to climate change while improving the quality and safety of food production. The initiative aims to transform Morocco’s agri-food systems to address climate risks and bolster sustainable development.
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Morocco’s economy, contributing 16% of the gross domestic product and 19% of total exports as of 2023. It is also a critical source of employment, providing 67% of rural jobs and 36% of all jobs nationwide, with 30% in primary agriculture and 6% in agri-processing. However, consecutive years of drought have severely impacted production, particularly in rainfed grain farming, underscoring the sector’s vulnerability to climate change.
The program focuses on enhancing climate resilience in agriculture by adopting climate-smart practices and improving water and soil management. Conservation agriculture, including expanding no-till farming techniques, is a key component of the initiative. These measures aim to stabilize agricultural yields, mitigate climate risks, and promote sustainable farming practices. Additionally, reforms to agricultural insurance systems will provide greater protection for farmers against climate-related losses.
Efforts to improve food safety, quality, and nutritional security are central to the program. One of its goals is to expand organic farming to 25,000 hectares, ensuring environmentally friendly practices while meeting growing consumer demand for organic products. The program also includes measures to improve the quality of olive oil production and address food-related sanitary and health risks. Upgraded sanitary standards will be implemented at approximately 1,200 food outlets, enhancing food safety across the distribution chain.
Farmers will receive support to produce and market high-quality food, improving their incomes through better market access. The program will also focus on reducing food loss and waste, which are significant challenges in the agri-food sector. By enhancing public and private sector capacities and raising awareness of nutrition security, the initiative aims to create a more robust and sustainable food system.
The program is expected to benefit 1.36 million people, including nearly 120,000 farmers and over one million consumers. Farmers will gain access to better tools and resources to improve productivity and income stability, while consumers will benefit from safer and higher-quality food products.
Climate-smart agricultural practices supported by the program are designed to align with Morocco’s broader sustainability goals. These include creating green jobs in rural areas and enhancing food security, which are priorities under the country’s Generation Green 2020-2030 strategy. By integrating innovative approaches and focusing on environmental sustainability, the program seeks to position Morocco as a leader in sustainable agriculture.
An additional grant will complement the program’s efforts by supporting smallholder farmers in transitioning from conventional to climate-smart practices. This includes implementing innovative incentive schemes to encourage the adoption of sustainable methods. These incentives aim to empower farmers to adopt practices that conserve resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase resilience to climate variability.
The program’s comprehensive approach addresses both immediate and long-term challenges in the agricultural sector. By stabilizing yields, improving food quality, and enhancing resilience to climate change, it lays the foundation for a more secure and sustainable future for Morocco’s agri-food systems. The initiative represents a significant step toward achieving a balance between economic growth, environmental conservation, and social well-being in Morocco.