Morocco’s Water Export Dilemma
Moroccan parliamentarian Fatima Tameeni raised concerns with the Minister of Equipment and Water regarding the continued export of water-intensive agricultural products, such as avocados, amid ongoing drought conditions in the country.
Tameeni highlighted the paradox of Morocco facing repeated drought crises and a troubling decline in both groundwater and surface water levels, while simultaneously expanding its avocado exports. This fruit is notably one of the most water-intensive crops, requiring approximately 1,000 liters of water to produce just one kilogram.
During the 2024/2025 marketing season, Morocco set a record for avocado exports to Canada, shipping over 1,180 tons, which equates to more than 1.18 billion liters of water. This environmental and economic contradiction raises concerns, especially considering Canada’s abundant water resources.
Tameeni emphasized that the ongoing indirect export of water through these crops to nations without water scarcity prompts urgent questions about the effectiveness of agricultural policies and national water security priorities. This is especially pertinent given the evident water and structural imbalances currently affecting Morocco.
