Morocco’s virtual water trade draining country

Morocco’s Agricultural Boom and Virtual Water Trade: A Growing Concern

In the 1990s, Morocco witnessed a rapid agricultural boom fueled by foreign investments, transforming the kingdom into a leading global exporter of fruits and vegetables. However, this success came at a cost – billions of cubic meters of virtual water (hidden water in traded goods) were exported, exacerbating the country’s water scarcity issues.

Despite warnings from key figures, including the King, about the impending water crisis, the country continues to export water-intensive crops. This trend is exemplified by the emergence of mega farms, such as those owned by Israeli agriculture giant Mehadrin, in water-abundant regions like Gharb. However, this unchecked expansion of water-intensive agriculture mirrors the environmental challenges faced by regions like Portugal’s Algarve, where avocado farming has strained water resources and ecosystems.

Experts caution that unless Morocco adopts sustainable agricultural practices and implements conservation measures, the country risks depleting its vital water resources and worsening its water crisis in the long run.