MOROCCO – African Development Bank has approved US$84 million to support water management in forest areas in Morocco.
The drought has been affecting Moroccan agriculture since 2020, and the government is planning concrete responses to counter the cyclical repercussions and strengthen the country’s resilience.
The funding is allocated under the Support Project for the Inclusive and Sustainable Development of Forest Areas.
Through this initiative, the Moroccan government will invest in rehabilitating forest areas and restoring land degraded by erosion, primarily in the priority catchment areas of Ghiss, Bouregreg, Seksaoua, and Sidi Abdallah.
Operations to promote sustainable forest management are planned in the Al-Hoceima, Souss Massa, Talassamtane, and Toubkal national parks.
The Moroccan government also aims to promote forest entrepreneurship among young people by setting up incubation structures.
Two business incubators have been identified in the north, Tétouan, and the south, in Souss Massa. Young forestry entrepreneurs will be financially supported to develop the eucalyptus, aromatic and medicinal plants and inland aquaculture sectors.
Rabat is expected to invest €100 million (US$107.07m) to implement its project to support the inclusive and sustainable development of forest areas as part of the “Forêts du Maroc 2020-2030” strategy, implemented by the Agence Nationale des Eaux et Forêts (Anef).
Until 2028, the project should benefit around 6.5 million people living in rural areas in the regions of Rabat-Salé-Kenitra, Marrakech-Safi, Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima, and Souss-Massa.
According to the AfDB, the project will also support the emergence of a rural middle class through the sustainable management of natural resources.
Liked this article? Subscribe to DealStreet Africa News, our regular email newsletter with the latest news, deals and insights from Africa’s business, economy, and more. SUBSCRIBE HERE
