Par Chaimaa Hejam
Morocco is currently going through an economic situation marked by a continuous and worrying increase in the prices of basic necessities, having significant repercussions on the purchasing power of citizens. Among the most affected foodstuffs, chicken and sardines top the list. This situation raises questions about the underlying causes of this inflation.
The increase in prices of basic food products is the result of internal and external economic tensions, exacerbated by increasing competition from large farms and monopolistic practices. These put pressure on small farms and breeders, who, faced with rising production costs and a lack of support, are forced to reduce or cease their activities. This situation threatens the regular supply of accessible food products for Moroccan families.
Despite the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and the government, the ineffectiveness in stabilizing prices and supporting small producers is widely denounced. Consumers, particularly those from the middle and lower classes, are increasingly feeling the impact of this inflation in their daily lives.
Sardines, once a key element of the Moroccan diet, have seen a persistent rise in price, reaching 20 dirhams per kilogram. This increase is mainly due to unfavorable weather conditions and reduced fishery yields. Landings at the port of Safi fell by 15% in 2024, exacerbating a shortage that is fueling speculation. This situation highlights the vulnerability of the fishing sector and the urgency of taking measures to guarantee sufficient supply at controlled prices, thus preserving food security.
Although the value of products from coastal and artisanal fishing has increased, reaching nearly 10 billion dirhams in 2024, this increase does not benefit consumers, who continue to suffer the effects of food inflation threatening their power to eat. purchase. This situation finds its origin in structural and cyclical factors, notably unfavorable climatic conditions, inadequate management of natural resources, and a lack of profound reforms in the agricultural and fisheries sectors. The ineffectiveness of regulatory mechanisms and the weak integration of market players accentuate these challenges.
