Morocco Secures $116M to Boost Sustainable Farming and Food Security

New €100 million program aims to strengthen food security, empower women and young farmers, and build resilience against climate shocks and prolonged droughts.

Rabat, July 2025 — In a decisive response to Morocco’s worsening climate and food security challenges, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a €100 million loan (≈ $116 million) to support the Kingdom’s sustainable agriculture sector. The funding, part of a broader climate-resilient agriculture strategy, will prioritize support for women and youth farmers, expand access to water-efficient technologies, and build resilience in rural communities battered by recurrent drought.

“This is not just about agriculture — it’s about securing livelihoods, feeding families, and preparing Morocco for a drier, more volatile future,” said Mohamed El Kettani, a development economist based in Casablanca.

🌿 Morocco’s Climate Challenge

The investment comes at a critical moment. Morocco, a regional agricultural leader, has faced five consecutive years of drought, severely straining rural incomes and national food reserves. Rain-dependent farming communities — which make up over 70% of the agricultural labor force — have borne the brunt of the crisis.

The AfDB loan will help fund Phase I of the Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture Development Program (PADIA-1). The initiative is aligned with Morocco’s “Green Generation 2020–2030” strategy, which aims to boost agricultural productivity while reducing environmental degradation.

💧 Program Goals and Impact

According to AfDB and Moroccan officials, the €100 million loan will target several key areas:

• Expand water-saving irrigation systems, including drip technologies and treated wastewater reuse.
• Support smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, with access to microcredit, agricultural insurance, and training.
• Promote agroecology and climate-smart practices, such as crop rotation, drought-resistant seeds, and sustainable soil management.
• Strengthen local agricultural value chains for cereals, olives, and pulses—boosting income from farm to market.
• Improve rural infrastructure and support digital tools for precision farming and weather alerts.

👩‍🌾 Empowering Women and Youth

A defining feature of the program is its focus on social inclusion. According to the AfDB, 40% of the project’s direct beneficiaries will be women, while a significant share will target young farmers aged 18–35.

“Rural women are central to agriculture but often lack land rights and financing,” said Soukaina Amrani, a Moroccan agro-engineer involved in grassroots farming cooperatives. “This funding can change that — it gives them tools to lead.”

By addressing generational renewal in agriculture, the program also aims to make farming a viable livelihood for Moroccan youth, many of whom face rising unemployment and climate-related migration pressures.

🧭 Strategic Development and Global Support

The loan is part of AfDB’s broader efforts to help African countries adapt to climate change while ensuring sustainable growth. Morocco is already seen as a regional leader in renewable energy and irrigation infrastructure, but food security remains fragile amid volatile rainfall and rising import costs.

“This program combines inclusivity, food systems transformation, and climate resilience — all pillars of Morocco’s development vision,” said Achraf Hassan, AfDB’s Country Manager for Morocco.

The funding aligns with international goals including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2 & 13) and Africa’s Agenda 2063, both of which prioritize sustainable agriculture and rural development.

🌱 Broader Significance

While Morocco has historically led North Africa in agricultural reform, experts warn that climate adaptation must accelerate to protect food sovereignty. The country imports large volumes of wheat and feed grain, making it vulnerable to global market shocks — such as those caused by the Ukraine war and supply chain disruptions.

“Programs like this don’t just reduce dependence,” said economist Fatima Zahra Benhassi, “they empower farmers to be part of the solution — not the victims — of climate volatility.”