Morocco, where agriculture is a crucial sector, is heading for its sixth consecutive year of drought due to a drop in rainfall in recent months linked to climate change, Morocco's Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, said on Thursday. "We have entered a critical phase after five consecutive years of drought that our country has never experienced before," said Mr. Baraka at a press conference. In Morocco, agriculture employs a third of the working-age population and accounts for 14% of the country's exports. Water stress in Morocco has been exacerbated by rising temperatures, which have increased water evaporation from dams. By the end of 2027, Morocco plans to build seven desalination plants with a total capacity of 143 million cubic meters per year.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 23, 2023 11:49 UTC