Kaiss R., Benjouid Z., Faiz M., Ech-Chahed H., Rakhimi A., Zarouali S.S., Maimoun A., Hmid A., Cherkaoui M. (2025). Water stress and regional governance in Morocco: pathways to agricultural resilience through advanced regionalization. Research on World Agricultural Economy, 01/09/2025, vol. 6, n. 3, p. 957-972.
https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i3.2173
https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i3.2173
| Titre : | Water stress and regional governance in Morocco: pathways to agricultural resilience through advanced regionalization (2025) |
| Auteurs : | R. Kaiss ; Z. Benjouid ; M. Faiz ; H. Ech-Chahed ; A. Rakhimi ; S.S. Zarouali ; A. Maimoun ; A. Hmid ; M. Cherkaoui |
| Type de document : | Article |
| Dans : | Research on World Agricultural Economy (vol. 6, n. 3, September 2025) |
| Article en page(s) : | p. 957-972 |
| Langues : | Anglais |
| Langues du résumé : | Anglais |
| Catégories : |
Catégories principales 07 - ENVIRONNEMENT ; 7.3 - Eau. Gestion de l'EauThésaurus IAMM GESTION DES EAUX ; EAU DISPONIBLE ; SECHERESSE ; RENDEMENT DES CULTURES ; ZONE SEMI ARIDE ; ZONE ARIDE ; MAROC |
| Résumé : | 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 unsus- tainable 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, agri- cultural 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 wa- ter 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, adopt- ing 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. |
| Cote : | En ligne |
| URL / DOI : | https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i3.2173 |


