Climate Change Threatens Morocco’s Citrus Industry as Production Drops 20%

A 10 to 20% drop in citrus production is expected nationwide, Ahmed Darrab, secretary general of the Association of Citrus Producers in Morocco, told SNRTnews, adding that this percentage varies by region and the intensity of the lack of rain in different production areas. He specified that this drop concerns citrus fruits as fruits and also as juice, except for certain regions that have high irrigation capacities. The lack of rain has severely affected some areas like Souss-Massa, one of the citrus granaries, more than others. Production has plummeted there. Souss-Massa is not the only region to suffer the effects of climate change.

In Berkane, the Mohammed V dam on which most citrus trees and farms located in the eastern region of Morocco depend has been heavily impacted by the lack of rain. Clementine production in the eastern region has fallen by 70% in 2023 compared to previous years due to drought and lack of water. Producers in the region expect the citrus sector to improve as soon as there is an abundance of rain.

Ahmed Darrab does not rule out the possibility that the lack of water could have adverse effects on citrus fruits intended for the domestic market or for export.