Job Losses Rise in Morocco's Farm Sector Amidst Severe Drought

Drought in Morocco has resulted in a significant decrease in farm jobs, impacting about 160,000 agricultural workers since last year. With large areas of the Mediterranean under drought conditions, farmland in Morocco has shrunk by around 33%, affecting the agricultural sector's viability. This sector, responsible for 14% of exports and employing a third of the working-age population, is threatened by climate change. The North African kingdom's unemployment rate has risen to a record 13.7% due to the drought, prompting the government to launch programs aimed at enhancing sustainable agriculture and doubling agricultural exports to 60 billion dirhams by 2030.

Morocco, a North African kingdom known for its rich agricultural heritage, is currently grappling with the devastating effects of a prolonged drought that has taken a heavy toll on the sector [1]. The agriculture industry, which accounts for 10% of Morocco's GDP and employs a third of the working-age population [1], has seen a significant decrease in farm jobs due to the drought. An estimated 160,000 agricultural workers have been impacted since the last year [2].

The drought has also led to a shrinking of farmland in Morocco by around 33% [1]. With large areas of the Mediterranean under drought conditions, the agricultural sector's viability is increasingly threatened by climate change. This is particularly concerning as agriculture is Morocco's second-largest export sector, responsible for 14% of the country's exports [1].

The consequences of the drought are far-reaching, extending beyond the agricultural sector. Morocco's unemployment rate has risen to a record 13.7% due to the drought, prompting the government to launch programs aimed at enhancing sustainable agriculture and doubling agricultural exports to 60 billion dirhams by 2030 [3].

The Moroccan climate, known for its precarious nature, has revealed a rapidly changing risk landscape for agriculture [1]. The country has become a hot spot for extreme weather-related events, including floods, heatwaves, and droughts, that have caused severe water crises [1]. These events have had a significant impact on crop growth and yields [1].

Insurance payouts during the last decade have helped to increase the resilience of farmers by partially compensating for incurred losses [1]. However, more needs to be done to manage and mitigate the risks associated with a changing climate. One possible solution is the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, such as the use of drought-resistant crops and water conservation techniques [1].

The Moroccan government and the re/insurance sector are responding to the risks of a changing climate by implementing measures to improve agricultural resilience and ensure viable insurance [1]. These include the development of early warning systems, the promotion of climate-smart agriculture, and the creation of risk pools to help manage and distribute risks more effectively [1].

In conclusion, the drought in Morocco is having a profound impact on the country's agricultural sector, with far-reaching consequences for the economy and employment. The government and the re/insurance sector are taking steps to enhance agricultural resilience and ensure viable insurance. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of the drought and mitigate the risks associated with a changing climate.

References:

[1] Swiss Re. (2024). Morocco: a challenging hot spot for farmers, society and crop re/insurance. Retrieved from https://www.swissre.com/reinsurance/insights/morocco-crop-reinsurance.html

[2] Agence France-Presse. (2023, October 27). Morocco: Drought forces 160,000 agricultural workers off farms. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/morocco-drought-forces-160000-agricultural-workers-off-farms-2023-10-27/

[3] Reuters. (2023, November 3). Morocco to double agricultural exports to 60 billion dirhams by 2030. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/middle-east/morocco-to-double-agricultural-exports-to-60-billion-dirhams-by-2030-2023-11-03/