MARCHOUCH, Morocco — Long-awaited rains have brought new hope to Moroccan farmers after years of drought, but rising fuel and fertiliser costs linked to the Middle East war are threatening to reduce the benefits of a stronger harvest season.
Across farming areas south of Rabat, fields that had been dry for years have turned green again after heavy rainfall in December and February. Morocco officially declared an end to a seven-year drought earlier this year after rainfall rose sharply from the previous season, improving dam levels and easing pressure on the agricultural sector.
For farmers such as Mehdi el-Maazi in the Marchouch region, about 70 kilometres south of Rabat, the rain initially raised expectations of a productive season. But those hopes have been weakened by higher production costs, especially for diesel, fertiliser, pesticides and machinery. Farmers say the increase has reduced profit margins at a time when many are still recovering from years of crop losses and depleted livestock.
Agriculture remains vital to Morocco’s economy and rural employment. The sector supports a large share of the working population and contributes significantly to food supply, household income and export activity. Years of drought had already damaged wheat output, reduced pastureland and sharply weakened livestock herds. Reuters reported last year that Morocco’s cattle and sheep population had fallen by 38 percent over nine years because of repeated droughts.
The improved rainfall has brightened the national outlook. Morocco’s central bank expects agricultural performance to support stronger economic growth this year, with the cereal harvest projected at about 8.2 million metric tons. Inflation is also expected to remain relatively stable, although officials have warned that a prolonged Middle East conflict could increase pressure through higher energy-import costs.
The conflict has already affected farmers beyond Morocco. Reuters reported that the Iran war has triggered a second major global surge in fertiliser prices in four years, forcing farmers in several regions to reconsider planting plans because grain prices are not high enough to absorb the additional costs.
Moroccan farmers say the challenge is that rain alone is no longer enough. Even where yields improve, high input costs can make production less profitable. Smaller farmers are especially vulnerable because they often lack savings, access to credit or the ability to buy fertiliser and fuel in bulk.
The government has moved to support rural areas through subsidies, fodder support and wider investment in water security, including desalination and dam projects. But farmers say immediate cost pressures remain severe.
For Morocco, the season shows both the relief and fragility of recovery. The rains have revived fields, but global conflict has made producing food more expensive, leaving many farmers uncertain whether a better harvest will translate into better livelihoods.
