A recent study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has identified Morocco as one of the African countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The study highlights the country's exposure to drought, water stress, heatwaves, and agricultural drought. These climate-related risks have a direct impact on food security, the agricultural sector, and water resource management.
The study, conducted in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the West Africa Club, and the World Bank, focuses on 28 African countries. It reveals that North Africa is particularly susceptible to heatwaves, water stress, and agricultural drought, affecting agricultural production and food security. Morocco is classified as a region highly exposed to drought, heatwaves, and recurrent land degradation.
The study emphasizes that these climate-related risks pose a direct threat to food security, the agricultural sector, and water resource management. In urban areas, the exposure to heat stress and inadequate infrastructure to cope with extreme weather events are significant challenges. Like most African countries, Morocco has not yet fully implemented market-based mechanisms, such as a national carbon tax or an emissions trading system.
Despite these challenges, Morocco has a strategic margin to enhance its territorial planning policies, focusing on resilience and avoiding dependence on high-carbon technologies or emissions. The study notes that most African countries have experienced drier conditions in recent years compared to the climate reference period. Morocco records the most significant soil moisture deficit among the selected African countries.
The study also highlights that over 50% of arable land in Africa is exposed to extreme rainfall, except for Morocco, which remains isolated from this phenomenon. In many countries, these climate conditions affect nearly all agricultural land, which may be exposed to heavy rainfall. The study warns that heavy rainfall can lead to soil erosion, flooding, crop losses, and disruptions to agricultural cycles.
At the continental level, Southern Africa has made the most progress in implementing measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, followed by Eastern Africa, and then Northern and Western Africa. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria have emerged as regional leaders in climate action. The study suggests that these countries can serve as models for other nations to accelerate their efforts to address climate change.
The study recommends that countries like Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa can expect a moderate increase in extreme rainfall. In contrast, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone are expected to experience the highest rates of increase in extreme rainfall among the 28 selected African countries. The report advises avoiding dependence on carbon-intensive technologies and promoting sustainable urban planning, climate-resilient territorial planning, and nature-based solutions.
Key points
- Morocco is classified as one of the African countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change
- The study recommends promoting sustainable urban planning and climate-resilient territorial planning
- Southern Africa has made the most progress in implementing measures to mitigate the effects of climate change
