Tag Archive for: Poverty in Morocco

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Chari: Empowering Local Retailers

ChariMorocco’s economy has seen strong growth lately, yet significant obstacles prevent that growth from reaching everyone. Data from the International Monetary Fund shows that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose by about 4.9% in 2025, thanks to a recovery in farming and increased spending on major infrastructure projects. Still, joblessness remains an issue, with 13% of workers unemployed in 2025 and a projected rate of 12.3% for 2026. Additionally, the escalating conflict in the Middle East could slow down the expected GDP growth of 4.4% projected for 2026 by making imported goods more expensive and reducing demand from other countries.

Challenges for Small Shops

For small neighborhood shops, deeper problems make daily operations and growth difficult. According to recent World Bank statistics, when counting not just the unemployed but also those who have stopped looking for jobs or cannot get enough work hours, the rate of labor underutilization has reached 22.5%. Women are especially disadvantaged in the job market, and frequent droughts continue to hurt farming and water availability. Moreover, most small businesses do not use digital tools effectively. Only about one-fifth of Moroccan companies make full use of software for managing online orders.

This lack of technology holds back local retailers, and Chari, a Moroccan digital platform for small shops, is stepping up to bridge the gap.

What Is Chari and How Did It Start?

Chari is a mobile app that helps small shop owners in Morocco order products and manage their business finances with ease. Ismael Belkhayat and Sophia Alj started the company in early 2020. Before Chari, store owners often had to close their shops for hours or days to travel to wholesalers, losing money in the process. The app fixed this by letting merchants order goods and get them delivered the next day at no extra cost.

An interview with Ismael Belkhayat published by Africa’s Business Heroes in 2024 details how Chari offers financial services alongside product delivery. The company received a license from Morocco’s central bank to provide services like opening payment accounts quickly, giving merchants payment machines, issuing Visa cards and allowing customers to pay bills through the app. Regarding the benefit of these services, Belkhayat says, “This combination of commerce and finance allows us to empower small retailers not only with products but with the financial tools they need to grow and thrive in the digital economy.”

Platform Outreach

Mom-and-pop shops are the economic center of rural communities across Morocco, where supermarkets are often expensive or hard to reach and residents rely on corner stores for everyday essentials. Take Ismail Berkouk, for example, a 29-year-old snack-shop owner in Casablanca who did not have a bank account. After a friend told him about Chari, he began using the app to order supplies instead of shutting his store to go shopping himself, making the process of restocking his shop much more convenient and cost-effective. This Moroccan digital platform for small shops helps owners like Berkouk spend less on supplies and keep their stores stocked daily, a benefit that matters most in rural areas, where small shops are often the main place for families to buy everyday items.

Chari has signed up about 25,000 merchants across Morocco — out of an estimated 200,000 small merchants nationwide — and has also hired about 60 people to work in a call center teaching shop owners how to use the app. These call center jobs give employees steady wages and tech experience, while merchants who use the app can order supplies more efficiently and save money on each purchase. Those savings allow them to lower their prices or reinvest in their shops, which benefits the local customers and suppliers who depend on them.

What This Means for Morocco

In today’s world, digital platforms like Chari are important tools for local shops that have often been overlooked by banks and supply chains. The platform helps store owners get affordable products and access financial services while also teaching them valuable digital skills. By doing so, it keeps rural economies active and creates jobs. A Moroccan digital platform for small shops like Chari is exactly what the country needs to ensure that even rural communities can take part in the economy’s growth.

– Melody Ruiz

Melody is based in Bronx, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Supporting Underrepresented Communities in Southern Morocco

Underrepresented Communities in Southern MoroccoThe Marathon Des Sables is a race that tests the boundaries of human capability. Participants endure a grueling multi-day ultra-marathon, running 254 kilometers over the unforgiving sands of the Sahara Desert in Morocco. The longest stage, a punishing 91-kilometer stint, has marathoners baking for hours in the equatorial desert sun, covering kilometers of distance over the parched sands. The marathon spotlights an incredible feat of human grit and determination, but it also races toward life-changing humanitarian milestones for the rural, desert communities of Morocco.

The Race Begins

Patrick Bauer, the founder of the famous Marathon des Sables, continues to prioritize helping support children and underrepresented communities in Southern Morocco. The official associated charity, Solidarité, focuses on the education and support of hundreds of underprivileged families. Through charity places and the minimum target of £500 participants must raise to secure their position on the start line, Solidarité, along with other associated charities, has implemented initiatives to provide education primarily through sport.

Despite national multidimensional poverty rates falling to 6.8% in 2024, rural inequalities persist. Among the population living in poverty, 72% were from rural communities. These rural, underrepresented communities experience four times the poverty rate compared to urban areas. The efforts of the Marathon des Sables offer a glimpse at a remedy. Multidimensional poverty rates provide insight into poverty not purely from an income perspective, but through equitable access to health care, education, housing and other basic services. Within underrepresented communities in Southern Morocco, the Marathon des Sables strengthens access to these necessities, mitigating the serious risk rural families face of slipping back into poverty.

Sport Used as Support

Since 2010, donors, Solidarité, and supporting NGO Almayuda have constructed a sports center for the children of Isfoutalil and Tasassinte, the outlying neighbors of Ouarzazate. The center welcomes children free of charge, offering supervision, computer science lessons and sports instruction, along with educational supplies and snacks. The initiative is now expanding to aid the mothers of these children, with the inclusion of a lending library, free Arabic literary lessons and French lessons. Gender inequality is particularly pernicious within the Moroccan job market; Morocco has one of the world’s lowest labor force participation rates for women and rural communities are disproportionately affected. These efforts, facilitated by the Marathon des Sables, align with the aims of the government to prioritize job creation and access, particularly for rural employment and investment support.

Since the introduction of upskilling efforts at the Solidarité Almayuda sports center, 12 mothers have created a business cooperative to create fashion accessories and home decor. This is just one example of the positive impact funding is creating.

Alongside the efforts of the marathon’s associated charities, the race itself has prompted a hugely impactful humanitarian effort. More than 38 attending doctors present for the duration of the race, visit the residents of local villages the marathoners pass through and offer medical care to anyone who wants it. Organizers also select and complete one development project within the rural communities that fall in the race perimeter. From equipping schools in the villages of Tarricht and Amougger to installing water pumps and sanitation facilities in isolated villages to the donation of vehicles to a home for the handicapped in Ouarzazate, approaches are targeted and holistic, prompting accessibility within these underrepresented communities in Southern Morocco.

It Is More Than a Race

Alongside the positive environmental and humanitarian efforts the marathon has fostered, the world-renowned race brings much-needed visibility to a hugely underrepresented region of Southern Morocco. With the race route meandering across the arid desert plains and through villages carved into the endless desert sands, the Marathon des Sables showcases the raw, unforgiving beauty of the Sahara Desert and its enduring communities.

As sponsor Oliver Gilbert remarks, it is also a chance to provide members of underrepresented desert communities an opportunity to tackle the sands of their native land. “Many runners who are natives of southern Morocco,” he comments, “who would not have been able to pay for registration or their kit, have their expenses covered by donors.” As such, “the winners for the past few years have been two brothers from a modest rural background in the region of Draa.” This race is both strengthening and a display of the strength of these incredibly durable and resilient communities living attuned to the sands of the world’s most inhospitable environment.

– Millie Lavington-Owen

Millie is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Smart Irrigation in Morocco is Changing Agriculture

How Smart Irrigation in Morocco is Changing Agriculture Morocco’s farms are running out of water. After years of recurring drought and rising temperatures, the country’s agricultural system is under mounting pressure and farmers are being pushed to adapt. In response, a new approach is gaining ground: the use of artificial intelligence to manage irrigation more efficiently, for a sector representing 15% of the nation’s GDP.

The Irrigation Challenge

Agriculture accounts for 85% of Morocco’s water consumption, yet much of it still relies on traditional irrigation practices inadequate to today’s climate realities. In many regions, farmers continue to use flood irrigation or fixed watering schedules, applying water regardless of soil conditions or weather forecasts.

This leads to significant inefficiencies. Large quantities of water are lost through evaporation, runoff and over-irrigation, particularly during hot and dry periods. As climate change intensifies, rainfall patterns have become more erratic, making it harder for farmers to rely on seasonal cycles. The result is a growing mismatch between water supply and agricultural demand.

In a country already facing structural water scarcity, these inefficiencies are no longer sustainable. They threaten not only agricultural productivity but also long-term food security.

Smart Irrigation in Morocco

AI-powered irrigation systems offer a way to move beyond approximation by introducing precision and adaptability. These technologies rely on real-time data to determine when and how much water crops actually need.

One of the key tools is soil moisture sensing. Sensors placed in the ground continuously monitor moisture levels, allowing farmers to irrigate based on actual conditions rather than assumptions. This prevents both under-watering, which stresses crops, and over-watering, which wastes resources.

Another important feature is the integration of weather forecasts. AI systems can analyze upcoming rainfall and adjust irrigation schedules accordingly. If rain is expected, watering can be delayed, reducing unnecessary water use.

Automation further enhances efficiency. Smart systems can operate independently, delivering water at optimal times — typically early morning or late evening — when evaporation is lower. This ensures that more water reaches plant roots, maximizing its impact.

Benefits of AI-Powered Irrigation

The advantages of these systems are both immediate and long-term. One of the most significant is water conservation. By aligning irrigation with actual crop needs, farmers can reduce water consumption substantially, in some cases by up to 70%. In Morocco’s water-scarce context, such reductions are significant.

Improved irrigation precision also boosts agricultural performance. Crops receive consistent and adequate hydration, leading to higher yields and better-quality produce. This can enhance farmers’ competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.

Cost savings are another key benefit. Using less water reduces expenses linked to pumping, storage and distribution. Over time, these savings can offset the cost of adopting new technologies.

Beyond these measurable gains, digitalization is reshaping daily farm management. Tasks that were once time-consuming and labor-intensive can now be automated. In Sefrou province, a farmer growing vegetables and olives described how this shift has affected his routine: “Automating and remotely managing my irrigation system has freed up time. I now dedicate one day each week to another business activity that generates additional income.” For many farmers, this flexibility opens the door to new economic opportunities.

Where AI Has the Greatest Impact

The potential for smart irrigation in Morocco is particularly high in traditional farming systems. These account for around 85% of cultivated land and consume roughly 70% of irrigation water.

Because these systems are often the least efficient, they offer the greatest scope for improvement. Precision irrigation technologies could reduce water use in this area, representing a significant shift in resource management. By contrast, more controlled systems such as greenhouse or urban agriculture, are already relatively efficient, leaving less room for substantial gains.

Startups and Digital Innovation

A growing number of startups and initiatives are driving the adoption of smart irrigation in Morocco. Agrilink, originally founded in Europe, has developed Internet of Things (IoT)-based solutions that connect soil sensors, irrigation systems and mobile applications. This allows farmers to monitor and control water use remotely, in real time.

SOWIT is another key player, combining climate data and agronomic expertise to deliver tailored recommendations. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between technology and sustainable employment by enabling young people in rural areas to gather actionable agricultural data, enhance production efficiency and support better outcomes for farmers. It targets two key groups: 280 women engaged in agriculture who are being trained in the use of precision farming technologies, and 100 independent field agents providing advisory support and expanding client networks across eight regions.

These initiatives are contributing to the emergence of a digital agricultural ecosystem, creating new opportunities for both efficiency and employment.

Looking Ahead

The expansion of AI in agriculture is closely aligned with Morocco’s Green Generation 2020–2030 strategy, which aims to modernize the sector and improve its resilience. A central objective is to connect up to 2 million farmers to digital platforms by the end of the decade.

As adoption increases, AI-powered irrigation could play a key role in conserving water, stabilizing yields and strengthening food security. Challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that smallholder farmers can access and effectively use these technologies. Addressing these barriers will require continued investment in infrastructure, training and digital literacy.

– Riccardo Chiaraluce

Riccardo is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Fog Harvesting Technology and Clean Water in Rural Morocco

fog harvesting technologyFog harvesting technology in rural Morocco is helping address water scarcity in some of the country’s most arid and isolated communities. In rural Morocco, limited rainfall, scarce groundwater resources, and the effects of extreme weather patterns have made access to clean drinking water a long-standing challenge. By capturing moisture from fog and converting it into usable water, fog harvesting technology in rural Morocco is providing a sustainable solution for families in need. Dar Si Hmad has been central to developing and expanding this innovation.

How Fog Harvesting Technology Works

Fog harvesting technology uses large vertical mesh nets to capture tiny water droplets from fog. As wind passes through the nets, moisture condenses on the fibers, forming larger droplets that flow downward into collection channels. The collected water is then filtered and stored for household use, including drinking, cooking and sanitation.

According to Dar Si Hmad, the system deployed in southwestern Morocco is the largest operational fog-collection network in North Africa. The organization explains that the technology relies on consistent fog patterns in mountainous coastal regions, making it especially effective in the Anti-Atlas area. As described in project research materials, “The research aims to optimize fog collection means and create strong, self- sufficient nets that can withstand extremely hard conditions.” This reflects ongoing efforts to improve durability and efficiency in extreme environments while expanding access to clean water in rural communities.

Fog Harvesting in the Anti-Atlas Mountains

One of the most significant implementations of fog-harvesting technology in rural Morocco is in the Ait Baamrane region of the Anti-Atlas Mountains.

Dar Si Hmad described the fog-harvesting system in southwestern Morocco is described by Dar Si Hmad as “the largest functioning fog collection project in the world,” which has brought “positive transformations to the communities, particularly the women, and the environment.” The project uses CloudFisher technology at Mount Boutmezguida to capture fog and supply water to nearby villages, supporting both climate adaptation and local development.

Social and Economic Impacts

Procedia Engineering highlights the broader impacts of fog harvesting in rural Morocco. The study explains that the fogwater harvesting initiative “provides a holistic approach to addressing complex development challenges” and that it “delivers potable water to hundreds of rural residents who have never had running water.”The research further emphasizes that the project combines engineering innovation with community participation to improve water access, reduce poverty, and support sustainable development in underserved regions.

The project has had a significant impact on women in rural communities. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Dar Si Hmad is a “women-led NGO in Morocco” that designed and installed “the world’s largest operational fogwater harvesting system.” The organization also reports that Dar Si Hmad’s female team leaders have conducted more than 20 capacity-building workshops with rural berber women to promote literacy and income-generating projects. By training female villagers to monitor and maintain the fogwater system, the initiative strengthens local participation and empowers women as managers of water resources in climate-vulnerable regions.

Benefits for Women and Children

A major impact of fog harvesting technology in rural Morocco is the reduction in the time spent collecting water. In many rural communities, women and girls are traditionally responsible for this task, often walking long distances daily.

With the fog water system installed closer to villages, women and girls do not have the burden of long daily walks for water. According to Procedia Engineering, the project helps “free women and children from the time-consuming chore of collecting water” and contributes to the “Release of young girls from water gathering chores, enhancing the possibility they will attend school.” This shift can improve gender equity and create more opportunities for education and community development.

Health and Environmental Benefits

Access to clean water from fog harvesting systems has also improved public health outcomes. Reliable drinking water reduces exposure to waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, which disproportionately affects children in rural areas.

In addition, fog harvesting technology in rural Morocco is environmentally sustainable. The UNFCCC describes the project as “an environmentally friendly water source to combat the effects of desertification.” Powered in part by solar panels and requiring little energy to operate, the system offers a cost-effective and low-impact solution for water-scarce regions facing the effects of extreme weather patterns

Fog harvesting technology demonstrates how an innovative, low-cost solution can address critical water shortages in vulnerable regions. Through the efforts of Dar Si Hmad and local communities, fog is being transformed into a reliable source of clean drinking water. This technology not only improves health and reduces daily burdens but also strengthens education, economic opportunity, and climate resilience in rural Morocco.

– Grelby Santos

Grelby is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Economic Opportunity in Morocco: A Look Into the Textile Sector

Economic Opportunity in Morocco: A Look Into the Textile Sector While Morocco’s youth unemployment rate remains high at around 23%, the country is using its thriving textile sector to lower unemployment rates, boost the economy and expand economic opportunity in Morocco.

Morocco’s Textile Sector

Morocco’s textile sector provides more than 200,000 jobs, accounting for 27% of industrial employment, and contributes 7% of the country’s industrial value. The country is taking the opportunity to create jobs through textile training programs that connect participants directly to an established industry, further supporting economic opportunity in Morocco.

Backed by organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Alwaleed Philanthropies, these programs and initiatives provide participants with skills in not only garment production but also small business development. The Alwaleed Philanthropies initiative has reached more than 6,300 people, with approximately 5,000 people benefiting in 2024 alone.

Strengthening Competitiveness

Morocco’s textile development efforts extend beyond a single initiative. Programs supported by the International Trade Centre (ITC) focus on improving competitiveness in the textile and clothing sector by helping small and medium-sized enterprises strengthen production, increase exports and integrate into global value chains. These efforts complement training initiatives by ensuring that newly skilled workers are entering a sector with growing demand and stronger international market access.

At the national level, Morocco has invested in industry-focused initiatives such as the Industrial Acceleration Plan, which emphasizes workforce training, investment and sector growth to support long-term job creation.

Training and Cultural Preservation

By combining textile production skills with workforce training, these programs create a direct pathway for Moroccans to go from learning to earning. The programs also provide specialized training to more than 500 artisans, focusing on areas such as fashion design, model development and creative production.

This program also prioritizes creativity and recognizes the importance of cultural preservation. It helps participants modernize traditional Moroccan textiles so that the sector remains competitive while preserving tradition. Traditional Moroccan textile practices such as the kaftan, are recognized by UNESCO as part of the country’s cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of preserving these techniques while adapting them for modern use.

This combination of preservation and modernization allows participants to maintain cultural identity while also accessing opportunities in tourism, where handcrafted textiles are often sold in local markets and cultural centers, as well as in broader fashion and export markets that value traditional craftsmanship. The textile and clothing sector’s strong export base further supports these opportunities by connecting locally produced goods to international buyers and global supply chains, contributing to economic opportunity in Morocco across both local and global markets.

Looking Ahead

Rather than creating entirely new industries, this approach focuses on strengthening what already exists, making job creation more immediate and reinforcing economic opportunity in Morocco. With youth unemployment remaining a challenge, programs that connect training directly to employment opportunities can help address the economic conditions that contribute to poverty. By equipping individuals with both technical and entrepreneurial skills, Morocco’s textile initiatives expand access to income and create more stable economic pathways.

– Kale Overton

Kale is based in Ames, IA, USA and focuses on Good News, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Top Facts About Gender Violence in Morocco

Gender Violence in MoroccoMorocco is a sovereign nation in the Maghreb region of North Africa. Located on the northwest coast of Africa, it borders the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas, bridging Africa and Europe. It is a constitutional monarchy with a rich, diverse culture, known for its mix of Arab, Berber and European influences, with its capital being Rabat.

Contributing Factors

  1. More than half of women report experiencing violence. As of 2019, about 57% of women in Morocco have been or are currently victims of domestic violence. This translates to six million individuals being abused at the hands of their partners.
  2. Society is not concerned. According to the U.S. Department of State, Moroccan police treat domestic violence as a social issue rather than a criminal matter.
  3. Violence takes many forms, not only physical. These include sexual assault, as well as psychological and emotional abuse. Psychological abuse is the most common, affecting more than 95.8% of non-single women in 2018.
  4. Domestic environments are a major site of abuse in Morocco. A large share of violence occurs within family or intimate partner relationships. Among teenage girls, more than half report experiencing some form of violence. This highlights domestic abuse as a major driver of gender-based violence in Morocco.
  5. Underreporting is common. Only about 3% of survivors formally report violence, often due to stigma or fear. This is often linked to family pressure, where abuse is treated as a private matter that should not be disclosed publicly. Survivors are discouraged from reporting, especially through legal channels, due to concerns about the consequences. These include children growing up without a father and the loss of perceived protection or financial support from husbands.
  6. Cultural norms contribute to silence. Economic dependency and unequal gender power dynamics are frequently cited as barriers to leaving abusive relationships.
  7. Tens of thousands of cases are recorded annually. Between July 2024 and June 2025, 28,980 cases of violence against women were reported in Morocco.

Call to Action

To address gender-based violence, Morocco has implemented policies regarding child and forced marriage laws following the Amina Filali case. Filali was a 16-year-old who killed herself after being forced to marry her rapist. The Moroccan government reformed its penal code to raise the legal age of marriage, criminalize forced marriages and increase protections for victims of sexual violence. 

Beyond legislation, Morocco has also established shelters for survivors, hotlines for reporting abuse and awareness campaigns to educate the public about gender-based violence. Furthermore, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Democratic Association of Moroccan Women provide legal aid, psychological support and vocational training to help survivors gain independence and escape abusive environments. 

Conclusion

Violence against women in Morocco has prevailed for centuries. It dates back to historical social structures shaped by patriarchal family systems, tribal and kinship traditions and legal norms that gave men greater authority within households. For much of Morocco’s history, women’s economic dependence, limited access to education and social expectations around marriage and obedience reinforced unequal power dynamics. 

Domestic matters were often treated as private family issues rather than legal concerns. However, recently, efforts have been made to change this, including the passing of Law 103-13 (Morocco) in 2018. The law criminalizes certain forms of violence against women and aims to improve protection and prevention efforts. 

However, despite these legal reforms, historical social structures continue to influence attitudes toward domestic violence today.

– Veda Mungara

Veda is based in Cupertino, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How IoT Sensors Are Helping Moroccan Farmers Fight Drought

IoT SensorsMorocco’s agricultural sector is at a turning point as the country faces increased water scarcity, climate instability and pressure on food security. As drought conditions intensify, many Moroccan farmers are turning to Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and smart irrigation technology to protect their crops and livelihoods. 

Agriculture remains a significant part of Morocco’s economy. Around 40% of Morocco’s workforce is employed in agriculture, meaning millions of livelihoods depend on stable harvests. At the same time, the sector contributes between 13% and 20% of the country’s GDP, making water shortages not only an environmental issue but also a major economic challenge. 

Water management is also crucial, as only 15% of Morocco’s cultivated land is irrigated. Yet, this land produces about 75% of the country’s agricultural exports. With so much production reliant on limited irrigation systems, improving smart irrigation technology has become essential to maintaining crop yields during droughts. 

IoT Sensors in Morocco

To address these challenges, IoT sensors are helping Moroccan farmers monitor soil health and manage water more efficiently. These smart sensors collect real-time data on soil moisture, nutrient levels and pH, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation and fertilization. Farmers can then use this data to apply the precise amount of water their crops need rather than relying on traditional estimates. 

According to industry reports, adopting smart agricultural technologies and IoT sensors in Morocco has already led to a 20% increase in water-use efficiency. A key technology that supports this transformation is the Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN). It enables low-cost sensors to transmit data across large rural areas. 

Agricultural organizations and technology developers are deploying these sensors directly in farmers’ fields, making digital solutions more accessible to small-scale farmers. These technologies are also improving crop stability. Even with less water overall, delivering irrigation at the precise moment plants need it can improve crop quality and maintain yields. 

For many smallholder Moroccan farmers, this reliability can mean the difference between a successful harvest and a failed season. 

Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Morocco

Despite its promise, IoT technology alone cannot solve Morocco’s agricultural challenges. Several barriers still limit the widespread adoption of smart agriculture tools. First, the upfront costs of IoT sensors and digital irrigation systems can still pose a risk for farmers operating on narrow profit margins. 

While the technology is relatively affordable compared to traditional equipment, many small-scale farmers need financial support to adopt it. Second, digital literacy remains a challenge. Farmers must learn to interpret soil data and integrate it into daily farming decisions. 

Finally, there remain infrastructure gaps in rural regions. LoRaWAN networks rely on communication gateways that transmit sensor data over long distances, making the expansion of connectivity in remote agricultural areas essential.

Looking Ahead

Morocco is investing heavily in long-term solutions to its growing water crisis. The government’s “Generation Green 2020-2030” strategy aims to expand water-saving irrigation systems to “one million hectares” of farmland by 2030. At the same time, digital agriculture is becoming a national priority, with many programs supporting smart irrigation tools, satellite monitoring and connected soil sensors. 

If these initiatives continue to expand, especially for smallholder farmers, technologies like IoT sensors could become a key part of Morocco’s strategy to protect harvests and conserve water. They could also help build a more climate-resilient agricultural sector.

– Ines Wargui

Ines is based in Oxfordshire, UK and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Infectious Diseases in Morocco

Infectious Diseases in Morocco Infectious diseases in Morocco continue to be a major public health concern, especially in areas with limited access to health care and environmental challenges. Nonetheless, Morocco has achieved notable advancements in disease prevention through international partnerships, national health strategies and vaccination campaigns. These initiatives seek to strengthen the country’s health care system, reduce transmission and improve early diagnosis.

Tuberculosis Control Efforts

In Morocco, tuberculosis remains one of the most serious infectious diseases. Vulnerable populations with limited access to health care may be disproportionately affected by the illness, which spreads through airborne bacteria. The disease often affects poorer communities, where limited resources and health care access make prevention and treatment more difficult. This reinforces the importance of targeted public health interventions. Morocco has responded by putting in place a national tuberculosis control program that emphasizes early detection, free treatment and enhanced surveillance systems.

To encourage early testing and treatment, health authorities have increased diagnostic services and launched public awareness campaigns. These programs have helped Morocco reduce transmission in numerous communities and maintain comparatively high treatment success rates.

Addressing Leishmaniasis

Another infectious disease affecting Morocco is leishmaniasis, which spreads through sandflies in rural areas. The most prevalent type of leishmaniasis in the country is cutaneous leishmaniasis, which results in skin lesions. In some areas, outbreaks may occur due to both population movement and environmental factors.

Morocco has strengthened surveillance systems and implemented vector control programs to combat the disease. Public health officials also aim to inform communities about early detection and prevention strategies to reduce the severity and spread of infections.

Hepatitis Prevention and Treatment

Viral hepatitis is also a significant health challenge. Prevention and early diagnosis are crucial because untreated hepatitis B and C infections can result in chronic liver disease. As part of wider national health strategies, Morocco has expanded vaccination coverage and screening programs.

Treatment access and disease monitoring are supported by international partnerships and public health initiatives. Increased awareness and vaccination efforts are helping reduce the long-term impact of hepatitis and strengthen overall disease prevention measures.

Public Health Progress and Prevention

Morocco has shown that consistent public health investment can lower the risks of infectious diseases despite ongoing challenges. After decades of prevention efforts, the country eliminated malaria in 2014, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated national health policies and surveillance programs.

In Morocco, prevention, education and improved access to health care are becoming increasingly important aspects of addressing infectious diseases. The country continues to work toward better public health outcomes and healthier communities through strengthened disease monitoring systems and expanded treatment programs.

– Honey Regev

Honey is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Women’s Cooperatives in Morocco Are Boosting the Economy

Women’s cooperatives in MoroccoWomen’s cooperatives in Morocco are becoming vital in driving development, reducing poverty and advancing female empowerment as the North African nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and seeks to boost economic growth.

Women’s Cooperatives in Morocco: A New Proud Tradition

The cooperative movement in Morocco is a relatively modern phenomenon, becoming prominent only in the late 20th century. Cooperatives were first established as a powerful response to limited employment opportunities for women seeking financial independence and a sense of solidarity and collaboration. They have since transformed into an economic force in both agriculture and artisanal production.

In 2025, there were 7,891 women’s cooperatives in Morocco, comprising more than 73,000 members. They involve 267,000 women who farm, produce and sell products ranging from embroidered textiles and carpets to livestock, agricultural products and cosmetics. This practice not only drives local economies but also unites rural communities, where 61% of women’s cooperatives in Morocco are located. 

It also empowers poor women with limited economic opportunities to gain financial agency, real market power and a stake in the nation’s future.

Toudarte, Agadir: Argan Oil

For the last 22 years, Toudarte has been at the center of a growing community of women finding solidarity, purpose and employment in a growing argan oil cooperative. Meaning “life” in Amazigh, Toudarte has, from the start, prioritized developing an operation that delivers sustainable products and practices for both the environment and the now 100 women who make up its ranks.

Not only does Toudarte empower and economically benefit a region and its residents, but its authentic, traditional production methods also protect a historic Amazigh practice from soulless industrialization. Since its founding in 2004, the co-op has seen steady success. The women at Toudarte now plan to expand their independent business and open an inn for guests who want to experience the argan forest and its production process.

Not only does this development signal an ever-improving economic outlook for Toudarte, but it also brings further hope to a rural community transformed by the presence and success of a women’s cooperative.

Al Kawtar, Marrakech: Homeware and Clothing

The majority of women’s cooperatives in Morocco are rurally situated, making the most of tight-knit, sometimes remote, communities with shared knowledge, interests and fortunes. However, the work of the minority that operates in urban centers like Marrakech is just as vital. That can easily be said of Al Kawtar, a homeware and clothing co-op that specifically offers women with disabilities the chance to earn a steady income and build a community.

The cooperative’s goals are to give women with physical disabilities the opportunity to independently earn a living based on their own talents and abilities. In the process, Al Kawtar creates a space for the most vulnerable women in Morocco to stand on their own two feet and receive fair market prices for their craft.

Coopérative Timnay, Sirwa: Textiles and Carpets

Coopérative Timnay takes the idea of community and self-reliance one step further, incorporating the larger local shepherding community and utilizing regional materials whenever possible. Vitally, it also uses a proportion of the cooperative’s profits to support the paid training of young women and to facilitate the benefits of membership, including health care, a group savings fund, child care and career progression.

Rather than merely a source of income, Coopérative Timnay offers the opportunity for a lifelong career. Understanding the extra demands that women in Morocco face, the charity ensures that a meaningful and rewarding future is available to those who might otherwise be forced to migrate for employment. Cooperatives like these protect Amazigh people and practices, allowing a prosperous future for the rural communities that desperately need it.

The Difference Maker in the Fight Against Poverty?

Since the turn of the 21st century, there has been significant progress in reducing poverty in Morocco, with the national poverty rate steadily decreasing. COVID-19, droughts and the international impact of the Russia-Ukraine war interrupted this trend in the early 2020s. However, with an improving economy in 2023–24, the World Bank expects poverty to resume its two-decade-long decline, falling below 3.9%.

Women’s cooperatives like those mentioned above have the potential to further advance this development by providing women and families with the financial resources they need to improve their economic outlook. Regional surveys prove that membership in a co-op can more than double a family’s household income. An improved income of this scale also offers individuals the freedom to hold bank accounts, build savings and access credit, opening the door to long-term increased prosperity.

The empowerment of women in any developing country is essential to its social and economic success. Women gaining personal and financial autonomy means a larger working population, greater and more diverse markets, higher average incomes and smaller, more prosperous families. The cooperative movement, therefore, has become a driving force in reducing poverty in Morocco. 

It has offered a future for its women, who are more able than ever to access essential opportunities for personal and economic growth and security.

– Evan Meikle

Evan is based in Kingston upon Hull, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Morocco’s Gen Z Protests: Better Education and Health Services

Morocco’s Gen Z Protests: A Movement for Better Education and Health Services In September 2025, the Gen Z movement GenZ212 mobilized supporters in 11 Moroccan cities, including Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakesh and Agadir, to protest the neglect of health care and education services in the country. The recent deaths of eight pregnant women in Hassan II Hospital triggered younger generations to protest for urgent investment in national health care. The protesters also criticized the Moroccan government’s spending priorities on football infrastructure for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The people of Morocco demanded that these funds be invested in education, employment opportunities and health care.

Progress and Persistent Gaps

In the last two decades, life expectancy has increased from 66.8 years in 2000 to 75.7 years in 2025,
 and vaccination coverage reached 94.5% in 2023, leading to the elimination of polio and diphtheria.
 The government has also invested in educational accessibility for vulnerable groups with frameworks like the 2000 Education Framework Law and national initiatives such as the National Human Development Initiative (INDH) in 2006. However, despite these improvements, many Moroccans still lack access to quality health care and education.

Morocco’s Gen Z Protests

The GenZ212 movement started the protests in September 2025 and used social media platforms to mobilize hundreds of supporters to join the cause. About 200 protesters were arrested as police used force to disperse crowds. Studies revealed that 43% of young Moroccans aged 18–29 spend three to five hours per day on social media. Hundreds of young Moroccans also supported the movement online. They used social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to raise awareness and counter misinformation.

The movement grew from 1,000 to 180,000 members using the platform Discord for coordination, discussion and decision-making. They were not affiliated with political parties or unions and demanded more public spending on health and education, less corruption and greater political accountability.

Young Moroccans also participated in protests across many cities, including Casablanca and Rabat. GenZ212 used digital organizing as the backbone for their protests. The movement integrated digital awareness and civic action to demand political and social changes in the country.

The Current Situation

In rural areas of Morocco, residents often lack access to health care services due to worker shortages and limited insurance. Twenty percent of the population lives more than 10 kilometers from a primary care facility. Rural areas also face challenges in providing education services, including a lack of teacher training and classroom overcrowding. As of 2022, 64% of Moroccan 10-year-olds cannot read or understand a simple text.

In response, the Moroccan government and NGOs launched reforms to expand access to education and health care. In 2021, the WHO launched the National Plan to Combat Childhood Cancer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to improve treatment access and expand pediatric oncology and palliative care. From 2020 to 2022, the childhood cancer survival rate rose from 68.2% to 72.2%, and the goal is to reach 80% by 2030.

The World Bank financed a total of $750 million by 2023 for Morocco’s Education Support Program to support the government’s Strategic Education Roadmap (2022–2026). The reform agenda aims to expand early childhood education, invest in teacher training and reduce learning poverty.

Earlier this year, the government reviewed these reforms with the goal of restoring confidence in public schools and addressing previous shortcomings. The education budget rose to $8.5 billion, up from $6.8 billion in 2019, with the expansion of 230 Pioneer Middle Schools, benefiting more than 200,000 students.

Post–Gen Z Protests

The civic participation and digital activism of Morocco’s Gen Z protests prompted a response from both the king and the government. On Oct. 10, King Mohammed VI addressed Parliament and called for faster social and economic reforms.

Government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas also acknowledged the protests. As a result, on Oct. 20, the government announced major social reforms in direct response to the demonstrations. The 2026 draft finance bill strengthens public education, creates 27,000 new jobs in education and health care, and allocates $13 million to these sectors. The youth political participation bill will cover up to 75% of campaign expenses and invite citizens under 35 to join politics. The party reform proposal will enhance political party transparency and encourage women and youth to join or establish political parties.

One sign of this new transparency was the public livestreaming of a parliamentary committee meeting on health care reform on Oct. 1. This event marked a shift toward transparency and public participation in policymaking.

Looking Forward

Morocco’s Gen Z protests marked a turning point in the country’s social and political landscape. Indeed, what began as a reaction to failures in health and education evolved into a nationwide demand for accountability, equality and transparency. The movement demonstrated the power of digital mobilization and the determination of Morocco’s youth to shape the future of their country. Morocco’s Gen Z has shown that civic engagement and collective action can drive reform for social justice and improved public services, offering hope that youth-led movements will help build a more equitable future for the country.

– Angela D’Avino

Angela is based in Preston, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay