Despite the looming threat of water scarcity, Morocco’s avocado industry has been on a remarkable upward trajectory; over the past six years, exports have surged more than fourfold, making Morocco the 9th largest avocado exporter in the world. And this trend continues to gain momentum. In the last season, between July 2022 and May 2023, Morocco exported a staggering 45,000 tons of avocados, valued at $139 million. Spain, France, and the Netherlands are the leading destinations for Moroccan avocados, representing a significant portion of the country’s total avocado exports.
While the avocado industry promises much for farmers and businesses in Morocco, concerns about the sustainability of cultivating avocado in a country grappling with water shortages have been mounting in recent years. The country is facing increasing pressure due to its growing population and extensive agricultural activities, which are placing significant stress on its already limited water resources. Recent data from the World Bank reveals that agriculture alone consumes a staggering 88% of the country’s water resources.
Morocco is now on the World Bank’s list of nations with the lowest water resources per capita. In 2015, the country's average water resources per capita stood at a mere 645 cubic meters annually.
Source: moroccoworldnews.com