The contradiction between internal and external performance: From Morocco’s food security crisis to leading African development
In his speech today during the fourth summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch presented himself as a strategic bridge between China and Africa, emphasizing Morocco’s role in fostering industrialization, agricultural modernization, and renewable energies across the African continent. Akhannouch did not hesitate to mention Morocco’s efforts to support agricultural development and food security in Africa, citing initiatives such as the establishment of fertilizer plants in Nigeria and Ethiopia, and the Moroccan phosphate giant OCP’s growing presence in African markets.
But what about Morocco itself? How can Akhannouch present himself as a leader of a strategic partnership between China and Africa when he failed to secure food for his own citizens during 17 years at the helm of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries? The reality in Morocco paints a starkly different picture from what Akhannouch tries to project internationally.
The Green Morocco Plan: Big Ambitions, Limited Results
Aziz Akhannouch launched the “Green Morocco Plan” with the aim of transforming the agricultural sector into an economic driver, increasing productivity, and boosting exports. However, the plan has faced severe criticism, with accusations that it prioritized large-scale agriculture, which has drained the country’s water resources without delivering the promised food security. Reports show that Morocco is grappling with a severe water crisis, with agricultural policies favoring water-intensive crops like watermelon and tomatoes, depleting the nation’s water reserves and endangering the future of coming generations.
Failure in Food Security
Despite the lofty promises of the Green Morocco Plan, Morocco remains heavily reliant on imports to meet its citizens’ food needs, a dependency that became even more apparent during recent global food crises. During Akhannouch’s long tenure as Minister of Agriculture, Morocco did not achieve food self-sufficiency. In fact, the situation worsened with rising food prices and the declining purchasing power of Moroccan citizens. If Akhannouch could not secure food for his own country over 17 years, how can he promise to achieve food security in Africa?
Exhaustion of Water Resources
One of the sharpest criticisms directed at Akhannouch’s agricultural policies is the depletion of Morocco’s water resources. The agricultural sector, which constitutes a significant portion of the Moroccan economy, is highly dependent on water. With recurring droughts and scarce rainfall, the country’s aquifers have been severely depleted, threatening the future of agriculture in Morocco.
The contradiction between local performance and regional ambitions
It is ironic that Akhannouch seeks to position himself as a key player in the China-Africa partnership while having failed to manage agriculture and water issues in his own country. This stark contrast between grand international promises and local outcomes raises the question: Is Akhannouch trying to bolster his international standing at the expense of his people’s basic needs?
Challenges Facing Africa
While Akhannouch promotes cooperative projects in Africa, such as fertilizer production and agricultural modernization, the African continent faces enormous challenges in terms of food and water security. Although the China-Africa partnership may open new development opportunities, the question remains: How can Morocco provide effective solutions to African nations when it struggles with its own local challenges?
Conclusion
Aziz Akhannouch aims to position Morocco as a model for regional cooperation in agriculture and development, but the domestic reality tells a different story. Morocco’s failure to achieve food security and the depletion of its water resources paint a bleak picture of Akhannouch’s policies, raising doubts about his ability to play an effective role in Africa. If Akhannouch seeks to achieve prosperity and stability in Africa, should he not first reconsider his local policies?
