Challenges Facing Moroccan Agriculture Amid War-Driven Price Increases
Like many of his fellow cultivators, Mehdi el-Maazi was initially filled with optimism as heavy rains fell in Morocco, promising a bountiful harvest this year. However, that optimism quickly faded as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East led to skyrocketing costs for fuel and fertilizers, which are essential for agriculture. In Morocco, agriculture is a significant sector, employing approximately 25% of the workforce, and after enduring seven years of persistent drought, the recent heavy rains in February and December provided a glimmer of hope for many farmers.
In the rural area of Marchouch, located around 70 kilometers (43 miles) south of Rabat, the parched landscapes have transformed back into lush greenery, enabling farmers to return to their fields with renewed vigor. Following these winter rains, expectations were high for a robust cereal harvest, with predictions estimating nearly nine million tonnes—more than double last year's output. Additionally, overall agricultural production was anticipated to rise by about 15% compared to the previous season.
However, the outbreak of war in the Middle East, which began in late February, has severely disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. This disruption has not only sent global energy prices soaring but has also significantly affected the supply of fertilizers crucial for farming. For instance, before the conflict, el-Maazi typically spent around 1,200 dirhams (approximately $130) for diesel per hectare to operate his tractor, but now that expense has escalated to 1,800 dirhams.
“We were initially delighted with the rain's arrival,” shared el-Maazi, a 32-year-old lentil farmer, “but with the surge in diesel prices, everything has changed.” Farmers across the region echo his sentiments, highlighting that the rise in fuel costs has also led to increased expenses for nearly all inputs required for crop production. Fellow farmer Abdelkader Toukati expressed hope that fuel prices might decrease before the harvest season begins, but the reality is that high costs have resulted in elevated wages for workers and even doubled the rental fees for harvesting machinery.
Abdelaziz Drissi, who rents out agricultural equipment, lamented the lack of financial viability in farming today. “There is no longer any profit,” he stated. “We are only working to cover fuel costs.” This situation has put immense strain on farmers, as rising energy costs directly impact essential farming supplies, pushing the prices of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and animal feed upward. Livestock breeder Abdessadaq el-Fayd noted that the price of grain feed has surged in recent months, increasing from 90 dirhams to between 110 and 120 dirhams per sack.
A recent report from Morocco's High Commission for Planning projected a 5% economic growth rate for the first quarter of 2026, up from 4.1% in the previous quarter, largely attributed to agricultural activity. To mitigate the financial strain, the Moroccan government announced aid for transport operators in March, and Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch pledged to enhance distribution chains to keep prices manageable. However, many farmers expressed that these measures have yet to effectively control rising prices.
Rachid Benali, president of the Moroccan Confederation of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized that the price increases predominantly affect fuels and nitrogen fertilizers. While he assured that these high costs would not impact the volume or quality of the harvest, they would undoubtedly reflect in market prices for produce, further complicating the situation for farmers who are already struggling to maintain their livelihoods.
As reported by al-monitor.com.
