The Devastating Impact of Drought on Morocco’s Water Reservoir and Agriculture

Morocco’s second-largest reservoir, the Al Massira Dam, is drying up rapidly, causing a severe water shortage in major cities and devastating the country’s agriculture. The six consecutive years of drought and climate change have led to a 70% drop in rainfall, jeopardizing water supplies and hitting farmers hard. As the reservoir continues to shrink, farmers like Abdelmajid El Wardi are struggling to keep their livestock alive and support their families. The shortage has also affected public steam rooms and saunas, with closures mandated to save water. King Mohammed VI has addressed the crisis, calling for increased efforts to supply drinking water and investing in seawater desalination plants. However, desalination facilities pose environmental risks, releasing harmful chemicals back into the sea. Experts warn that Morocco must adapt to more frequent and intense droughts as global climate change worsens, threatening the survival of iconic Atlas cedar trees and pushing water systems beyond their limits. The situation in Morocco underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management and climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact of drought on communities and ecosystems.