UN launches new project to address drought in Morocco

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today announced a new projected designed to help Morocco deal with a water shortage brought on by drought and the pressures of development.

Mohamed Habib Halila, the agency’s Representative in Morocco, said the project will enable us to make better use of water resources in the Doukkala region, 100 kilometres south of Casablanca, “working together with the local administrative authorities and the beneficiaries of this initiative.”

“This initiative is very important because it will enable us to achieve three objectives: significantly improve the food security situation, increase agricultural exports and boost farmers’ revenues,” said Mohand Laenser, Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Marine Fisheries.

The Spanish Government is contributing some $1.18 billion for the project, which FAO said will enable the agency to provide technical assistance and will pay for irrigation infrastructures to be modernized.