The World Bank finances agri-food processing in Morocco with 2.5 billion dirhams

The agri-food sectorwhich represents 16% of gross domestic product and 19% of Moroccan exports in 2023, plays a key role in the national economy. It is also a major source of employment, occupying 67% of the rural workforce and 36% of total employment, distributed between theprimary agriculture (30%) andagro industry (6%). However, persistent challenges, particularly linked to repeated episodes of drought, have highlighted the vulnerability of the sector, particularly in the rainfed cereal productionwhich strongly depends on climatic conditions.

A response to climatic and economic challenges

Faced with these challenges, the program financed by the World Bank focuses on the adoption of practices climate-smart for more resilient agriculture. Flagship initiatives include theconservation agricultureincluding techniques likeagriculture sans labourand improving water and soil management. These approaches aim to stabilize agricultural yields, reduce climate risks and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

The program also provides for a reform of agricultural insurance systemscovering an increased surface area, in order to protect more operators against climatic hazards. These measures will create better quality jobs and ensure more stable incomes for workers in the sector.

Promoting sustainable agriculture and enhanced food security

Another priority of the program is improving the food and nutritional security. This involves support fororganic farming over 25,000 hectares and by the intensification of quality controls, particularly for flagship products likeolive oil. At the same time, efforts will be made to reduce health risks linked to food, through the implementation of improved standards in around 1,200 food outlets.

The program also emphasizes the reduction of food loss and wasteas well as improving farmers’ access to markets. This approach aims to increase their income while guaranteeing a superior quality food offering for consumers.

Expected benefits

According to the World Bankthis initiative will directly benefit 1.36 million people, including nearly 120,000 farmers and more than a million consumers. By promoting sustainable and innovative practices, the program aims to sustainably transform the Moroccan agri-food landscape, while responding to current climatic and economic challenges.