The Driouch province is intensifying its efforts to promote the sustainable use of agricultural water resources. On Wednesday, the Moulouya Hydraulic Basin Agency (ABH), in coordination with the local prefecture, organized a sensitization and consultation meeting on the theme “Rationalization of irrigation water resource use and control of the public hydraulic domain.”
This initiative is part of the National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program 2020-2027 and illustrates the participatory approach adopted to ensure sustainable management of water resources. The main objective: to raise awareness among farmers and user associations about water conservation and the prevention of overexploitation.
Challenges Exacerbated by Climate Change
During the meeting, participants exchanged views on the rationalization of irrigation in the context of water scarcity and climate change, as well as the preservation of the public hydraulic domain in accordance with the Water Law 36-15. The testimonies of farmers who have adopted modern techniques, such as drip irrigation, highlighted local best practices.
The governor of Driouch, Abdesslam Frindou, emphasized the particular attention given by His Majesty King Mohammed VI to water management, insisting on the royal directives calling for rationalization, the activation of water policing, and the harmonization of agricultural and water policies. According to him, despite Morocco’s historical advancements in resource mobilization and dam construction, constraints such as chaotic exploitation and drought make enhanced monitoring and regulation crucial.
Concrete Actions on the Ground
For her part, Narjiss Lamarti, director of the Moulouya ABH, highlighted that the basin is facing significant water challenges, exacerbated by successive years of drought. The Agency has launched an urgent and structural program aimed at reducing vulnerability:
- Construction of the Béni Aziman dam (44 million m³) to secure drinking water supply and reduce flood risks.
- Separation of drinking water and irrigation channels, resulting in an estimated saving of over 20 million m³ of water per year.
- Deployment of exploratory boreholes and equipping them with pumps for better efficiency on the ground.
- Development of brackish water desalination plants.
Support for Farmers and Prospects
The provincial director of agriculture, Driss Wiskioud, reiterated the importance of these measures in light of the severe impacts of drought. The ministry is supporting farmers through well drilling, the development of irrigation channels over 10 km per year, and the Agricultural Development Fund, aiming for tangible water savings by 2030.
This meeting illustrates a proactive approach to preserve a vital resource, enhance the resilience of agricultural operations, and promote sustainable and participatory water management in Driouch province.
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