Morocco is facing a severe weather crisis, marked by ongoing droughts and intermittent frosts, both of which pose a serious threat to the country’s agricultural sector.
As temperatures continue to fluctuate and the persistent lack of rainfall, Climate Scientist Dr. Samira El Azizi claims that the extreme weather patterns may have severe implications on Morocco’s agriculture.
According to Dr. El Azizi, the prolonged drought and sudden cold temperatures are exacerbating the challenges faced by the country’s farmers, particularly those who depend on rain-fed agriculture.
“We are seeing a combination of conditions that make it incredibly difficult for crops to thrive. The lack of rain, coupled with freezing temperatures, has compounded the pressure on Morocco’s agricultural systems,” says Dr Azizi.
This crisis is most concerning for small-scale farmers, who are already vulnerable due to the financial strains caused by previous years of drought. With minimal rain during the growing season and now freezing temperatures, the future of Morocco’s autumn crops looks uncertain.
The cold wave has led to frost in regions like the Atlas and Rif Mountains, as well as other parts of the country, further damaging vulnerable crops such as wheat, barley, and vegetables.
President of the Moroccan Association for Agricultural Development Fathmi Boukerzia, has emphasized the need for immediate action to mitigate the effects of these harsh weather conditions. He points out that without significant rainfall over the coming weeks, many crops will be lost, which could have devastating consequences for both farmers and consumers.
“The next twenty days will be critical for the survival of many crops. If the rain doesn’t arrive soon, we risk losing a large part of this season’s harvest,” says Boukerzia.
The cold wave has brought temperatures as low as -1°C in some regions, with frost and icy conditions expected to persist in the coming days. These conditions are particularly harmful to crops that were already under stress due to the lack of water.
The cold is particularly severe in the eastern and central parts of the country, as well as in Morocco’s mountain regions, where farmers are struggling to protect their fields from further damage.
Given the circumstances, the Moroccan government has begun to implement measures aimed at supporting farmers. These include financial assistance to help alleviate the immediate pressures, as well as investments in water management infrastructure to address the long-term problem of water scarcity. The government is also promoting research into drought-resistant crops to ensure that future generations of farmers will be better equipped to cope with changing climate conditions.
However some experts argue, including Dr. El Azizi, that these measures must go beyond short-term relief.
“It’s crucial that we start investing in more sustainable farming practices, such as improving irrigation techniques and developing drought-resistant crops. If we don’t take these steps, we risk further disruptions to our agricultural system in the future,” says Dr. El Azizi.
