Research on World Agricultural Economy

Water Stress and Regional Governance in Morocco: Pathways to Agricultural Resilience through Advanced Regionalization

Redouane Kaiss

Research Laboratory in Economics, Management, and Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Management, Hassan I University, Settat 26002, Morocco

Zakaria Benjouid

Research Laboratory in Economics, Management, and Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Management, Hassan I University, Settat 26002, Morocco

Mourad Faiz

Laboratory of Applied Studies and Research in Economics and Management, Cadi Ayyad University Marrakech, Marrakech 40000, Morocco

Hanane Ech‑Chahed

Laboratory for Research in Theoretical and Applied Economics, Hassan I University, Settat 26002, Morocco

Azzedine Rakhimi

Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory in Economics and Management, Faculty of Economics and Management, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni‑Mellal 23000, Morocco

Said Saghir Zarouali

Research Laboratory in Economics, Management, and Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Management, Hassan I University, Settat 26002, Morocco

Ahmed Maimoun

Research Laboratory in Economics, Management, and Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Management, Hassan I University, Settat 26002, Morocco

Amine Hmid

Interdisciplinary Laboratory, Business Engineering, Soft Skills, Management, and Law, Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences of Ain Sebâa, Hassan II University, Casablanca 21100, Morocco

Mariem Cherkaoui

Interdisciplinary Laboratory, Business Engineering, Soft Skills, Management, and Law, Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences of Ain Sebâa, Hassan II University, Casablanca 21100, Morocco

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i3.2173

Received: 19 May 2025 | Revised: 11 June 2025 | Accepted: 20 June 2025 | Published Online: 14 August 2025

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Abstract

Water scarcity is a growing and multidimensional threat to sustainable development in arid and semi-arid regions, with Morocco representing a critical case. Intensified by climate change, recurrent droughts, and unsustainable resource use, the country faces declining water availability, particularly affecting rain-fed agriculture and rural livelihoods. This paper presents an interdisciplinary analysis of  the intersection between water stress, agricultural productivity, regional inequalities, and governance structures. Special focus is placed on the potential of advanced regionalization—a decentralization reform introduced after the 2011 Constitution—to improve water management and agricultural resilience through localized, participatory governance. The study examines the impacts of water scarcity on cereal production, food imports, and trade deficits, while highlighting institutional challenges, including fragmented governance, legal ambiguities, and poor policy coordination. Despite national frameworks, such as the National Water Strategy and IWRM plans, implementation remains weak at the regional level. Building on a territorial and systemic perspective, the paper argues for a paradigm shift in water governance that integrates regional specificities into national strategies. It advocates for empowering regional actors, adopting climate-resilient technologies, and using economic incentives to promote sustainable practices. Public-private partnerships, unconventional water sources, and interregional cooperation mechanisms are identified as key tools for building resilience and reducing regional disparities. Ultimately, the study argues that achieving water security and agricultural sustainability in Morocco requires inclusive, decentralized, and adaptive governance grounded in territorial equity and collaborative action across all levels of decision-making.

Keywords: Water Scarcity; Advanced Regionalization; Agricultural Sustainability; Territorial Development; Water Governance

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