Morocco’s drought forces 108,000 out of farm jobs as economy shifts to other sectors

MOROCCO – Morocco’s agricultural sector lost 108,000 jobs in the second quarter of 2025, according to new data from the High Commission for Planning (HCP).

This drop comes as the country’s drought stretches into its seventh year, weakening farm output and deepening rural joblessness.

Of the jobs lost, 107,000 were in rural areas, underlining the heavy impact on regions that rely on farming for daily income. With little rainfall and only 15 percent of farmland under irrigation, crop failures and livestock deaths have become more frequent.

Wheat yields, for instance, dropped from 6.1 million tons in 2023 to just 3.4 million tons in 2024. The economic effects have been severe, with agriculture’s contribution to GDP shrinking and national economic output falling by 7 percent.

The impact of drought on livestock has also been sharp. Water scarcity has reduced the productivity of pastures and led to a rise in animal deaths, especially in regions where alternative feed and veterinary care are limited. This has further strained rural economies and food supplies.

Despite this, Morocco’s overall job numbers remain steady, thanks to growth in other sectors. The construction sector added 74,000 jobs in the same period, largely driven by major infrastructure projects tied to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

The services sector followed with 35,000 new jobs, while industry added 2,000. These gains helped pull down the national unemployment rate to 12.8 percent, from 13.1 percent a year earlier.

However, deeper structural problems remain. Unemployment among young people aged 15 to 24 stands at 35 percent. Women and degree holders are also struggling to find jobs, with unemployment rates of 19.9 percent and 19 percent respectively.

To manage the growing risks tied to drought, Morocco is increasing investment in water infrastructure. Twelve desalination plants are currently operational, and seven more are expected by 2027, which will increase water supply by 143 million cubic meters per year.

The government also continues to implement the 1995 Water Law and monitor drought conditions through the National Drought Observatory.

In the agricultural space, efforts to adapt include the use of drought-resistant seed varieties developed by ICARDA.

These can produce up to four tons per hectare under minimal rainfall. Farmers also benefit from early warning systems like CGMS-MOROCCO, which can estimate cereal yields two to three months before harvest, helping them make more informed decisions.

In regions such as the Souss-Massa basin, a key horticultural zone, water shortages are severe. The area is being targeted for new water-saving technologies and drought response tools.

Additionally, the MENAdrought project, led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), is supporting Morocco’s efforts by developing drought maps and frameworks to strengthen long-term planning.

While the construction and service sectors have helped soften the blow, the continued strain on rural livelihoods shows that Morocco’s drought crisis remains a serious national challenge.

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