Summary#
Over the past four decades, Morocco has witnessed a significant increase in drought frequency and intensity[6][19]. This North African country, known for its diverse landscapes ranging from coastal plains to mountainous regions and deserts, depends largely on agriculture, which forms the economic backbone of rural areas[6][21]. The fluctuation in rainfall patterns, primarily due to climate change, has led to recurring droughts causing substantial agricultural losses and impacting the livelihood of the rural population[4][11][22].
The 1980s started with severe droughts that triggered widespread socio-economic challenges[6][23]. Morocco, like many African countries, relies heavily on rain-fed agriculture, making it vulnerable to variations in rainfall[2][21]. The droughts in the early 1980s led to a decline in agricultural production, exacerbating rural poverty and food insecurity[6]. To mitigate these effects, the government initiated several irrigation projects and encouraged the cultivation of drought-resistant crops[3].
The drought conditions continued into the 1990s, with significant dry spells occurring in 1994 and 1995[6]. These periods were characterized by lower than average precipitation and higher than average temperatures[4], leading to a decrease in water availability for both agriculture and domestic use[17]. As a result, the country faced severe economic stress, further straining its limited resources and contributing to rural-urban migration trends[7][20].
In the 2000s, the country experienced its worst drought in decades from 2004 to 2007[13][19]. It resulted in a significant decrease in agricultural productivity, which contributed to higher food prices and an increase in rural poverty levels[12]. In response, the Moroccan government implemented strategies aimed at developing drought-resistant agriculture and improving water management systems[3].
Despite proactive measures, the 2010s saw a continuation of severe drought conditions, exacerbated by global climate change[11][22]. The rainfall in these years was erratic, with long dry periods followed by heavy rainfall causing flash floods[4][15]. These extreme weather conditions negatively impacted the agricultural sector, threatening food security and the livelihoods of many Moroccan families[6][23].
Earth Observation (EO) and climate-derived products have become crucial tools to monitor and manage drought conditions in Morocco[1][9][19]. Remote sensing technology, using satellite imagery, provides critical data on rainfall, temperature, soil moisture, and vegetation health, which are essential indicators of drought[8][14]. This information can be used to track changes in these parameters over time and predict potential drought conditions[1].
One such application is the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a key indicator of plant health derived from satellite data[8]. By monitoring the NDVI, authorities can predict crop yields and prepare for potential food shortages[9]. Similarly, soil moisture indices derived from satellite data can provide early warnings of drought conditions, allowing for proactive measures to be taken[1][20].
EO and climate-derived products can also aid in water resource management[9][19]. For example, data on precipitation, evapotranspiration, and groundwater levels can inform the allocation of water resources and the planning of irrigation schedules[17]. This can help to optimize water usage and reduce the impacts of drought on agricultural productivity[12][21].
Moreover, these EO technologies can contribute to long-term climate change mitigation strategies[11][19]. By tracking changes in climatic parameters over time, researchers can develop more accurate climate models[4]. These models can inform government policies and actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable agricultural practices[5].
In conclusion, Morocco’s struggle with drought over the past four decades has resulted in considerable socio-economic challenges, especially in rural areas dependent on agriculture[6][22]. However, the advent of Earth Observation and climate-derived products offers promising solutions[1]. Through continuous monitoring, prediction, and informed decision-making, these tools can help Morocco better manage its resources, mitigate the impacts of drought, and build a more resilient future[13][16][23].