Morocco Leads in Water and Food Security Assessment in North Africa

The Middle East Institute, a Washington-based research center, has given Morocco a B rating for its water and food security, making it the only country among seven assessed to achieve this grade. Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria received a B- rating, while Libya and Mauritania were awarded a C- rating, and Sudan received a D+ rating. Morocco's assessment reflects its strong performance in various areas, including water resource reliability, water use efficiency, and food sector economy.

Morocco's rating was B- for water resource reliability, B for water use efficiency, B- for agricultural land sustainability, and B for food sector economy, with no ratings below B-. In contrast, Egypt received a C+ rating for land, Algeria received a C+ rating for water resources and land, and Tunisia received a C rating for water resources. The assessment was conducted despite Morocco experiencing ongoing drought since 2018, with major dam filling rates not exceeding 38% in March 2025.

The drought had a significant impact on Morocco's water resources, with southern dam reserves ranging between 10 and 20%, before the national rate rose to around 76%. The agricultural sector consumed over 80% of the water used, and 90% of the land was affected by degradation. The Middle East Institute noted that its approach was qualitative, taking into account the current level and trajectory, and praised Morocco's robust water governance framework.

The assessment evaluated seven countries in North Africa, including Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, and Sudan. The ratings reflect the countries' performance in various areas, including water resource reliability, water use efficiency, agricultural land sustainability, and food sector economy. Morocco's high rating reflects its strong performance in these areas, making it a leader in water and food security in North Africa.

The Middle East Institute's assessment highlights the importance of water and food security in the region, particularly in the face of climate change and drought. The assessment also underscores the need for countries to prioritize water governance and management to ensure sustainable development. Morocco's strong performance in this area makes it a model for other countries in the region.

The assessment has implications for policy and decision-making in the region, particularly in the areas of water and food security. It highlights the need for countries to invest in water governance and management, as well as sustainable agricultural practices, to ensure food security and sustainable development. The assessment also underscores the importance of regional cooperation and knowledge sharing to address common challenges.

The Middle East Institute's assessment is a significant recognition of Morocco's efforts to prioritize water and food security. The country's strong performance in this area reflects its commitment to sustainable development and its efforts to address the challenges of climate change and drought. The assessment provides a valuable benchmark for other countries in the region to follow.

Key points

• Morocco's strong water governance framework and efficient water use have contributed to its high rating in water and food security.
• The country's agricultural sector consumes over 80% of its water resources, highlighting the need for sustainable water management practices.
• The assessment underscores the importance of regional cooperation and knowledge sharing to address common challenges in water and food security.