Survey: One-Third of Moroccan Households Lose All Income Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

34% of Moroccan households found themselves without any income due to the pandemic. This is the result of a survey by the High Commission for Planning (HCP) on the impact of covid-19 on the economic, social and psychological situation of households in the kingdom. The survey was conducted on a sample of 2,350 households representative of the different socio-economic strata of the Moroccan population according to the urban and rural environment.

The survey, which was conducted from April 14 to 23, reveals that the proportion is a little higher at the level of rural households, with a rate of 35%, compared to 33% for urban households, the HCP said. The situation is more critical at the level of poor households, with 44%. The same applies to households in precarious housing (42%), artisans and skilled workers (54%), traders (47%), and agricultural workers and laborers (46%). This reflects the extent of the impact on Moroccan households. Regarding the current financial situation, 8% of households are relying on state aid to cover their daily expenses, including 9% in urban areas and 5% in rural areas. For 38% of households, including 39% in urban areas and 35% in rural areas, income just covers expenses, the HCP notes. According to the survey results, 49% of households say that at least one of their active employed members has been forced to stop their activity and 40% of them have received aid from the state or the employer.

The HCP survey showed that compared to state aid through the Medical Assistance Regime (RAMED) program, 67% of households are beneficiaries, including 63% in urban areas and 81% in rural areas. Thus, 72% of Moroccan households are beneficiaries of state aid, or 75.9% in urban areas and 55.7% in rural areas, who believe that this aid does not compensate for the loss of income.