Morocco records one of the lowest surface water levels in Africa

Morocco recorded one of the lowest levels of surface water in Africa in 2024, according to a report published by theWorld Water Observatoryaffiliated with the Office of United Nations for disaster risk reduction. The document also reveals a record number of days of frost having heavily affected the production agricole in the country.

The report ranks the Morocco among the 15 African countries with the lowest surface water levels. Additionally, it is included in a list of eight global countries that recorded a vegetation index historically low, alongside nations like the Zimbabwe and the Zambia. In terms of groundwaterthe Kingdom is also mentioned among the 11 countries with the worst results in terms of water balance.

These figures reflect the growing impact of climate change, which is intensifying extreme weather events such as prolonged droughts and flash floods. According to the report, these disturbances directly threaten access to water, food security, and the balance of ecosystems.

Faced with this worrying observation, Dr. Omayma Khalil El Fenn, an expert in environmental and hydraulic engineering, calls for immediate actions to mitigate the effects of climate change on water resources. Contacted by “Assahra Al Maghribia”, the expert proposes an integrated strategy including:

1. Improving water resources management: Adoption of modern techniques such as drip irrigation to limit waste in agriculture.
2. The development of storage infrastructure: Construction of new dams and strengthening of groundwater storage capacities using artificial recharge techniques.
3. Investment in desalination: Use of renewable energies to produce fresh water from sea water.
4. Reducing water losses: Maintenance of distribution networks to minimize leaks.
5. Awareness raising and regulation: Training of farmers and industrialists in the preservation of water resources and implementation of strict laws to limit the unregulated extraction of groundwater.

Furthermore, the report highlights the urgency of strengthening resilience in the face of these challenges by focusing on innovation and sustainable solutions. “Despite the colossal challenges, solutions exist to reverse the trend. However, they require a concerted mobilization of authorities, experts, and citizens to preserve this vital resource in a context of increasing climate pressures,” indicates the same report.