AgriWater 4.0: How Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence are Shaping Agriculture and Water Management in Morocco
In the context of the topic “How Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence are Revolutionizing Agriculture and Water Management in Morocco,” the inaugural session of the AgriWater 4.0 conference brought together researchers, institutional officials, and entrepreneurs to address a pivotal question: How can data and digital technologies be transformed into tools for agricultural sovereignty in Morocco?
From the very beginning of the session, participants emphasized the need for local innovation and the development of technological solutions that are tailored to the Moroccan context. Mehdi Abou Menadel, founder of DeepLeaf and an AI expert affiliated with the UNDP AI Hub, noted that “many research efforts still rely on imported algorithms instead of creating models designed for our agricultural reality.”
Hassan Dian, the regional director of the General Directorate of Meteorology, presented his institution’s vision for 2035, which focuses on offering innovative products and services that address climate change and contribute to economic development. He highlighted the application of artificial intelligence in weather and agricultural forecasts, stating that the success of this initiative depends on data sharing and enhancing national expertise. The “National Climate Network” is a cornerstone of this path, despite the challenges associated with managing vast amounts of data.
The session also discussed predictive irrigation, which integrates climatic, agricultural, and digital data to estimate water needs and enhance crop management. This approach helps optimize resource use, reduce agricultural risks, and alleviate pressure on groundwater while boosting productivity.
Moulay Idriss Salhi, vice president of the Souss-Massa Regional Agricultural Chamber, pointed out that agricultural sustainability also relies on local cooperation. Since the early 2000s, farmers in the region have formed associations to manage irrigation water collectively and modernize irrigation systems, facilitating resource sharing and disseminating water-saving technologies.
Ilias Sakhall, CEO of Arwa Solutions, showcased local technological potential. The company is developing connected sensors and smart agricultural software that help farmers reduce water consumption by up to 50% while increasing productivity. He asserted, “Technology is not a luxury; it’s an opportunity for better production at lower costs while respecting resources.”
The session concluded by stressing the need to strengthen collaboration between the state, private sector, and scientific research to widely disseminate these solutions. Participants also underscored the importance of incentivizing public policies to facilitate farmers’ access to technology.
In conclusion, it was emphasized that water belongs to everyone: “Water is not owned by anyone; it belongs to all. Preserving it ensures the future of generations to come.” This first session of AgriWater 4.0 demonstrated that water sovereignty and digital sovereignty go hand in hand to serve a sustainable, smart, and resilient Moroccan agriculture.
