Author: Fanack Water Editorial Team
Facing its harshest drought in decades, Morocco is intensifying efforts to ensure water security by rapidly expanding its desalination program and launching new water management policies. The government’s approach aims to counter six consecutive years of low rainfall that have drastically diminished agricultural yields, shrunk the national cattle herd, and contributed to food inflation and rural distress (Reuters).
Prolonged Drought Pushes National Limits
Drought has become a persistent threat: Morocco now ranks among the world’s most drought-affected nations and could face extreme water scarcity by 2050 if trends continue (Morocco World News). The volume of renewable water per person has plunged from 645 cubic meters in 2015 and is projected to hit just 500 by mid-century (Yabiladi). Since 2018, consecutive dry years have dried out Morocco’s dams—with the fill rate dipping to historic lows and some key reservoirs, like Al Massira, dropping to nearly 1% capacity at the start of 2024 (Yabiladi).
This crisis has had far-reaching effects on Morocco’s agriculture, which employs around a third of the workforce and traditionally consumes about 84% of the country’s water (CGTN). Entire harvests have been lost, while rising costs and water access struggles have led to food price spikes and increased unemployment (Reuters).
Scaling Up Desalination
As a response, Morocco has positioned desalination at the heart of its water policy. The country now operates 17 seawater desalination plants, with four more under construction and nine additional plants planned by 2030, which would boost national production capacity to 1.7 billion cubic meters annually (Reuters; Morocco World News).
In coastal regions such as Chtouka and Agadir, desalinated water has become the backbone for both drinking water and irrigation—enabling the survival of key fruit and vegetable farms and satisfying city demand even as natural sources dwindle (Yahoo News; Malay Mail). The largest plant in Agadir now produces 125,000 cubic meters daily, and by 2026, national planners aim for a daily output of 400,000 cubic meters—half dedicated to local agriculture (Malay Mail).
However, desalination comes at a steep price: its high operational and energy costs put it out of reach for many small-scale farmers, who continue to rely on wells or conventional dam water (Bladi). Desalinated water is sold at more than four times the cost of traditional water, making it viable only for higher-value crops or export-oriented agribusiness.
Modernising Water Infrastructure and Policies
To ensure equitable water distribution, the government is extending a major waterway—backed by Emirati investments—linking water-rich northwestern regions with drought-prone areas such as Doukala and Tadla (Reuters). A new 1,400-kilometer power line, also part of this deal, will channel renewable energy from the south to power energy-hungry desalination plants, lowering their carbon footprint and operating costs (Reuters).
New Rules for Water-Thirsty Crops
In a significant policy shift, Morocco has begun restricting the cultivation of water-intensive crops such as melons and watermelons, especially in drought-hit regions like Tata and Zagora, where melon cultivation has been slashed by up to 75% (Reuters). Instead, the government is encouraging a move towards less thirsty, drought-resistant crops.
The Road Ahead
Morocco’s experience illustrates the challenges and trade-offs facing drought-hit countries around the world. While desalination offers a lifeline for urban and export-oriented agriculture, its high cost and energy requirement mean it is no panacea. Experts say integrating desalination with expanded renewable energy, water transfer schemes, and smarter crop choices creates a stronger foundation for resilience under climate stress (Morocco World News, Fanack Water)
As Morocco advances this multi-faceted strategy, success will depend not just on new technology but also on balancing costs, conservation, and social impact. The world is watching as Morocco seeks to reinvent its water future—one drop at a time.