An International Conference in Meknes Highlights Water and Agricultural Challenges Amid Climate Change
In the framework of the seventeenth edition of the International Agricultural Fair in Morocco, the city of Meknes hosted a high-level international conference on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, under the theme: “Water Management for Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture.” This event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, served as a strategic platform for exchanging insights on water and agriculture issues in the face of rapidly changing climate conditions.
The conference saw distinguished participation with the presence of 27 foreign delegations, including ministers and prominent figures in the fields of water and agriculture. The session was inaugurated by Mr. Ahmed Bouari, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, alongside Mr. Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water, Mr. Benjamin Haddad, Minister Delegate for European Affairs in the French Government, Mr. Francesco Lollobrigida, Italian Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, and Mr. Loïc Fouchon, President of the World Water Council.
During this meeting, the importance of the alliance between water and agriculture was underscored as a strategic pillar for achieving food security and enhancing rural development, aligning seamlessly with Morocco’s goals to make agriculture a tool for sustainable development. In his opening speech, Minister Ahmed Bouari highlighted that the conference forms part of the implementation of the “Green Generation 2020-2030” vision and the National Drinking Water and Irrigation Supply Program 2020-2027, through practical measures aimed at mobilizing and enhancing agricultural water resources, and strengthening the Moroccan agriculture sector’s resilience to climate fluctuations.
The minister also recalled the content of the royal address delivered by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God support him, on July 29, 2024, which called for the urgent updating of the national water policy and making the assurance of drinking water supply and meeting irrigation needs strategic priorities.
Addressing climate challenges, the minister pointed out that Morocco is experiencing the longest drought period in its history, having suffered seven consecutive years of low rainfall, which has directly impacted agricultural and livestock production, significantly reducing the water resources available for irrigation.
However, the significant rainfalls that Morocco received in March and April improved agricultural season indicators, particularly concerning vegetation cover and the overall water situation.
The conference included the organization of two specialized workshops; the first focused on the water-agriculture alliance as a lever for adapting to climate changes, while the second workshop addressed innovations and integrated strategies for effectively managing agricultural water resources.
Participants exchanged successful experiences and expertise during these workshops, discussing integrated water management, innovations in water techniques, exploring innovative financing mechanisms, and shared approaches to enhance agricultural resilience in the face of climate challenges.
The inaugural session concluded with the signing of two significant agreements that demonstrate Morocco’s clear commitment to sustainable water resource management.
The first agreement pertains to a participatory management contract for the Fes-Meknes aquifer, through a collaborative action plan among various stakeholders aimed at achieving a balance between environmental preservation and satisfying the economic and social needs of the region.
The second agreement aims to enhance cooperation between the agriculture and meteorology sectors through the exchange of data and expertise, the development of climate services directed at farmers, and building the capacities of actors in this field.
Participants unanimously noted that this meeting was a true opportunity to support public policies in the fields of water and agriculture, opening new horizons for more dynamic international cooperation capable of facing common challenges and crafting innovative solutions to ensure sustainable and resilient agriculture in the face of climate variability.
