A recent study on Morocco's irrigation strategies highlights the need for a shift from 'smart' to 'wise' irrigation, emphasizing participatory governance and an equity-indexed transition fund. The country has over 150 large dams and 1.6 million hectares of irrigated land, but faces challenges in balancing efficiency with sustainability.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Mohammed VI Polytechnic and other institutions, analyzed the 'Generation Green 2020-2030' strategy. It found that while smart irrigation technologies improve water efficiency, they often exacerbate social inequalities by favoring large farms over smallholders.
To address this, the study recommends a 'wise' irrigation approach that integrates local knowledge, community participation, and a transition fund indexed to equity and sustainability criteria. This would ensure that water management benefits all farmers, not just the wealthy.
The research was published in the journal 'Water Alternatives' in 2025 and has been cited by policymakers in Morocco's Ministry of Agriculture. The government has not yet announced any policy changes based on the study.
