Climate Change in Morocco

A gradually changing climate

Morocco’s climate is evolving. Observations made over several decades show a clear trend: temperatures are rising and rainfall is becoming more irregular.

According to national climate analyses and the work of the IPCC, the average temperature in Morocco has already increased by around 1.5 °C since the beginning of the 20^th century. At the same time, periods of drought have become more frequent.

Seasons are less predictable than they used to be. In some years, rainfall arrives late. At other times, it falls over a short period but with high intensity. This variability complicates water management, as well as the work of farmers.

An increasingly limited water resource

Morocco is one of the countries facing water stress. Water availability per inhabitant has declined sharply over recent decades.

In the 1960s, it exceeded 2,500 m³ per inhabitant per year. Today, it stands at around 600 m³, according to data from the Ministry of Equipment and Water.

Several factors explain this trend:

• decreasing rainfall in certain regions
• rising temperatures and evaporation
• population growth
• pressure on groundwater reserves

In several river basins, groundwater levels are gradually declining.

Agriculture directly affected

Agriculture remains one of the sectors most sensitive to climate variations. It depends heavily on rainfall and access to water.

When precipitation is low, agricultural yields can fall quickly. Rainfed crops, such as cereals, are particularly exposed.

Faced with this situation, many farmers are gradually adapting their practices:

• development of micro-irrigation
• crop diversification
• selection of more drought-resistant varieties

These changes take time. They also vary from one region to another.

Adapting to a new climate reality

Climate change is no longer a distant issue. Its effects are already visible in several regions of Morocco.

Water management is therefore becoming a central challenge. Public policies, hydraulic infrastructure and agricultural practices must gradually adapt to a more uncertain climate context. The objective remains the same: to preserve an essential resource for agriculture, cities and all the country’s economic activities.