The agri-food sector represents a cornerstone of the Moroccan economy. In 2023, it contributed 16% to gross domestic product and 19% to national exports. It is also a pillar of employment, providing 67% of rural employment and 36% of overall employment, including 30% in primary agriculture and 6% in agro-industry.
Despite its importance, this sector remains highly vulnerable. Successive droughts have caused a notable drop in production, particularly in the area of rainfed cereals, highlighting the challenges posed by climate risks. This observation underlines the urgency of transforming the Moroccan agri-food system to make it an engine of sustainable development.
The program aims to strengthen the resilience of the sector by promoting climate-smart agricultural practices and improving water and soil management. Conservation agriculture, particularly through techniques such as no-till agriculture, will be encouraged. The project also plans to expand agricultural insurance systems to better protect farmers against climatic hazards.
To respond to food safety issues, it is planned to extend organic farming to 25,000 hectares, improve quality controls, particularly for olive oil, and strengthen health standards in points of sale. food sales. This initiative will help reduce food losses and raise awareness of nutritional security among producers and consumers.
The program also aims to improve farmers’ income by facilitating their access to markets and helping them market quality products. It will directly benefit 1.36 million people, including 120,000 farmers, while creating sustainable economic opportunities and supporting green jobs in rural areas.
In addition, a $5 million donation from the Liveable Planet Fund will help support small farmers in their transition to climate-smart practices.
This program, in line with the Generation Green 2020-2030 strategy, reflects Morocco’s desire to build a resilient and sustainable agri-food system, while strengthening food and nutritional security for future generations.
