Water scarcity is a growing concern for many countries worldwide, and Morocco, with a semi-arid climate, is no exception. Over the past six years, Morocco has faced a severe water scarcity crisis, with natural rainfall decreasing from 12 billion cubic meters per year to just 5 billion cubic meters in 2023¹. The country faces several factors driving water scarcity. Erratic rainfall and frequent droughts leave traditional water sources like dams and groundwater vulnerable. Additionally, climate change projections predict a decrease in precipitation, further exacerbating water scarcity. Population growth, increasing urbanization and agricultural water demands also put a strain on existing water resources. These factors combine to create a situation where traditional supplies are insufficient to meet the water demands of the population, agriculture, and industry. This drastic reduction has had profound impacts on agriculture, prompting significant measures from the government and authorities to address the issue.

Impact on Agriculture

Agriculture, which consumes around 80% of Morocco’s water resources, has been severely affected by the water scarcity. Crop production in Morocco heavily relies on irrigation because of low productivity of rainfed cropping. Although the share of irrigated crops in the total harvested area of Morocco is around 20 to 25 percent, nearly 65 percent of the monetary value of crops produced comes from irrigated crops. These figures simply indicate that major reduction in water supply could harm the level and  value of agricultural production in Morocco. The share of agriculture in total gross domestic product (GDP) of Morocco usually fluctuates around 15  percent. However, agricultural activities provide many job opportunities for a large portion of the labor force. In general, about 40 percent of the labor force in Morocco works in agricultural activities, including forestry and fishery (Danish Trade Union 2015; Ghanem 2015; HCP 2016). This share was about 38 percent at the national level in 2016. The corresponding figures for urban and rural areas were 4.5 and 72.9 percent, respectively, in that year, according to the High Commission for Planning of Morocco (HCP) report (2016). Hence, reduction in water supply could directly and indirectly eliminate job opportunities in agricultural and nonagricultural activities. In Morocco, the structure of the cropland is the following: the total area of cropland of Morocco is about 9.6 million hectares (FAO 2016). Usually, a portion of available cropland (about 15 to 20 percent) remains uncultivated each year in Morocco. The area of irrigated cropland in Morocco is about 1.5 million to 1.7 million hectares. Only a small por[1]tion of irrigated cropland is equipped with advanced irrigation systems (for example, sprinkler or drip irrigation systems). The government of Morocco plans to support farmers to install advanced irrigation systems. The goal of the government is to install advanced irrigation systems on about 555,000 hectares of irrigated land. With this plan, the share of irrigated cropland equipped with advanced irrigation technologies will reach 55 to 60 percent of the total area of irrigated land. In 2023, Morocco has been facing its worst drought in over three decades. The previous summer Moroccan authorities had to ration water as reserves hit lows of 28%, down from 46% versus 2021.  Recently, the drought has led to a 60% reduction in cereal production, forcing Morocco to now rely heavily on imports. In a paradoxal situation, Morocco has hit record numbers of avocado, cucumber, and watermelon production; all of which are water-intensive crops.  As the country continues to face severe droughts, however,  some environmental groups like Morocco Environment 2050 are calling on the government to cease production of these crops and focus the limited groundwater resources elsewhere. Avocados are a highly water-demanding crop. A single avocado requires about 320 liters of  water to produce. But still this season Morocco produced 40,000 tons of avocado, almost reaching an all-time record. And, it doesn’t look like major cutbacks to production will be coming anytime soon. CEO of Moroccan exporter Export Optimum Abdellah Elyamlahi said that the production of avocados is on track to triple to 100,000 tons by 2027. Now the climate change has not only affected food security but also the livelihoods of farmers who depend on consistent water supply for their crops.

The olive oil sector, a significant part of Morocco’s agricultural economy, has also been impacted by water scarcity. Despite efforts to increase production, water shortages have kept productivity per hectare static. The price of olive oil has risen due to the reduced availability of water for irrigation triggering a frustration in local population. However, initiatives like the Green Morocco Plan and Generation Green aim to improve water management and resilience in the olive oil sector. These efforts are crucial for maintaining Morocco’s position as a leading olive oil producer. While water scarcity poses significant challenges for Morocco, the government’s proactive measures and the adoption of desalination technology offer hope for a more sustainable future. Continued investment in water infrastructure and innovative solutions will be essential to overcoming this crisis and ensuring the resilience of Morocco’s agricultural sector in the short future.

Government Measures

In response to the crisis, the Moroccan government has implemented several measures to mitigate the impact of water scarcity. These include the construction of new desalination plants, the reuse of treated wastewater, and the implementation of inter basin water transfers. The government has also invested in improving water infrastructure and promoting water conservation practices. A significant investment of MAD 143 billion has been allocated to these projects, highlighting the urgency and the scale of the issue.

Why the Desalination Technology?

Desalination technology has emerged as a crucial solution to Morocco’s water scarcity. By 2030, it is expected that 50% of the country’s drinking water supply will come from desalination. The rain water will be dedicated to agriculture and irrigation. The Agadir desalination plant, for example, is one of the largest in the region and plays a vital role in providing a reliable source of freshwater independent of rainfall patterns. This technology not only supports domestic water needs but also helps in sustaining agricultural activities in coastal areas.

Desalination technology has become a cornerstone of Morocco’s strategy to combat water scarcity. The country has already invested heavily in this technology, especially in coastal regions where traditional water sources are insufficient. As examples:

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO): This is the most widely used desalination technology in Morocco. It involves forcing seawater through a semi-permeable membrane that removes salts and other impurities. The Agadir desalination plant, one of the largest in the region, uses RO technology to produce up to 275,000 cubic meters of water per day.
2. Electrodialysis: This method is used primarily for brackish water desalination. It involves the use of electric currents to move salt ions through a membrane, separating them from the water. The first brackish water plant in Morocco, located in Tarfaya, uses this technology.

Key Desalination Projects

• Agadir Desalination Plant: This plant is a flagship project, providing both drinking water and irrigation water for agriculture. It uses advanced RO technology and is designed to be energy-efficient, incorporating renewable energy sources to power its operations.
• Laayoune SWRO Plant: Built in 1995, this plant was one of the first to use seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) technology in Morocco. It has been instrumental in supplying freshwater to the southern regions.

Environmental and Economic Considerations

While desalination provides a reliable source of freshwater, it also comes with challenges. The process is still energy-intensive, which can be costly and environmentally impactful. To mitigate these issues, Morocco is increasingly integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into its desalination plants. Additionally, the management of brine, a byproduct of desalination, is crucial to minimize environmental harm. Innovative methods are being explored to safely dispose of or repurpose brine.

Desalination technology has emerged as a crucial solution to Morocco’s water scarcity. By 2030, it is expected that 50% of the country’s drinking water supply will come from desalination. For instance, the Agadir desalination plant is among the largest in the area and is crucial for supplying consistent freshwater, regardless of rainfall. This technology is key for meeting household water demands and for supporting agriculture in coastal regions. Desalination is essential for agriculture in areas with limited water, as it ensures a steady irrigation supply, stabilizes crop production, and sustains farmers’ livelihoods. This is especially critical for crops such as olives that require stable water sources.

Future Prospects

The Moroccan government intends to significantly increase its desalination capacity by 2030, with the goal of supplying 50% of the nation’s drinking water needs using this technology. This ambitious target highlights the crucial role of desalination in Morocco’s water management strategy and its potential to guarantee water security amidst climate change and increasing population.

In conclusion, desalination technology is a vital element of Morocco’s strategy to combat water scarcity. By pioneering innovative projects and incorporating renewable energy, Morocco is establishing a model for a resilient and sustainable water supply.