Understanding drought in Morocco: A special look at the Haouz Plain

Abstract

Drought, a devastating meteorological phenomenon, has a significant impact on various regions of the globe, including Morocco. The phenomenon is characterized by a significant drop in precipitation, with adverse consequences for water resources, particularly groundwater. In Morocco, drought represents a major challenge, severely affecting the country's water balance. The repercussions of this phenomenon can be seen in the declining levels of groundwater reserves, essential for drinking water supply, agriculture and other key sectors. The consequences of drought on groundwater resources are manifold. Firstly, the drop in precipitation reduces the level of groundwater recharge, thus compromising the future availability of these reserves. In addition, dwindling groundwater reserves have a direct impact on agriculture, a vital sector for the Moroccan economy. Farmers often rely on groundwater to irrigate their crops, and the scarcity of this resource can lead to crop losses and increased pressure on available water resources. Drought can also exacerbate water quality problems, as lower water levels can concentrate pollutants present in groundwater, making water more difficult to treat and use.