Here is the Fruit that makes Morocco thirsty!
The avocado, a fruit prized for its nutritional qualities, has become a controversial subject in Morocco in 2024. According to revelations by former parliamentarian Ahmed Sidki, this water-intensive crop raises crucial questions about the management of the country’s water resources.
Avocado production in Morocco has reached new heights this year, with 70,000 tonnes harvested. What is striking is that 86% of this production, or 60,000 tonnes, is intended for export. An economic boon, certainly, but at what environmental cost?
The figures given by Mr. Sidki are alarming. Each kilogram of avocado would require on average 1,000 liters of water for its production. A quick calculation results in an annual consumption of 70 billion liters of water, or 70 million cubic meters, for this crop alone.
To put these figures into perspective, the former parliamentarian compares this consumption to other uses of water in the country. He points out that the volume of water used for avocado cultivation exceeds by three times that recently allocated to the Ziz-Ghris basin, a region that has experienced significant water inflows this year.
The Lawyer vs. Ablutions: A Surprising Comparison
In a striking comparison, Mr. Sidki parallels the water consumption of avocado cultivation with that of the ritual ablutions practiced by Moroccans. Even overestimating the number of practitioners and the amount of water used, calculations show that the ablutions of the entire Moroccan population over an entire year would consume only 22 million cubic meters of water.
This figure is significantly lower than the 70 million cubic metres swallowed up by avocado production. In other words, growing this fruit consumes three times more water than the ablutions of all Moroccans combined in a year.
The situation raises important questions about the sustainability of this crop in a country facing increasing water challenges. Morocco, like many countries in the region, is facing increasingly frequent and intense periods of drought, making water management a crucial issue for the future.
Mr. Sidki’s revelations highlight the dilemma facing Morocco: how to reconcile economic development, of which the export of avocados is an example, with the preservation of natural resources, particularly water?
This situation calls for a deep reflection on the country’s agricultural choices. Should we rethink the crops favored for export? How can we optimize water use in agriculture? These questions are becoming increasingly pressing as the effects of climate change are felt.
The debate on avocado cultivation in Morocco is part of a broader issue of food security and sustainable resource management. It highlights the need for a balanced approach, taking into account both economic and environmental aspects.
In conclusion, the avocado, a symbol of healthy and trendy food, is at the heart of a crucial debate on the future of agriculture and water management in Morocco. The figures presented by Ahmed Sidki call for urgent reflection on the country’s priorities in terms of agricultural development and preservation of natural resources.
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