Morocco is currently suffering from the hottest and driest winter in living memory. Recently the thermometer here rose to 37 degrees Celsius. Many rivers and lakes have dried up, causing serious problems for both the agricultural and electricity sectors.
The drought threatens the livelihoods of farmers and herders in the region. A third of the working population in Morocco works in the agricultural sector. “I have to eat every day. If they only eat what the pasture has to offer, they will die. It’s as hot as June. That’s so strange!”, says shepherd Hatschmi Tahiri, describing the situation.
Recently, 37 degrees Celsius was measured in the North African kingdom. In February it was already over 35 degrees. There has been little rain for six years. “There is simply no hope!” says Tahiri.
After six years of drought, water levels in Morocco’s reservoirs have reached critical levels. By mid-January, the average filling rate had fallen from more than 31 percent the year before to 23 percent, according to the authorities.
The country’s second largest reservoir is almost empty
Rainfall is 70 percent below average for a normal year, and the Al Masira Dam, a reservoir in the west of the country, is almost empty. If the water level of the reservoir, which has provided electricity to the people in the area since 1980, continues to decline, it will soon no longer be possible to generate electricity.
Normally, Morocco’s second largest dam supplies the economic center of Casablanca. Since the start of the dry period, the area irrigated with dam water has almost halved to 400,000 hectares. Facing the worst drought in more than two decades, authorities have banned the cleaning of water streets and watering of city parks.
Below average grain harvest expected
The Moroccan statistics agency expects a below-average grain harvest this year, which will result in more wheat imports. In 2023 alone, the area of grain grown with rainfed fell by about 37 percent to 2.3 million hectares compared to the previous year.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
