Water Crisis Looms as Foreign-Backed Watermelon Farms Drain Morocco’s Drought-Stricken Aquifers

Residents of the Iznaguen commune report direct consequences on their water resources, with "a severe drop in the level of wells" and the "drying up" of several historical sources since the intensification of this cultivation. One resident expressed her fear that investors, in search of quick profits, will not be affected by the shortage, while "the local residents and their children will pay a heavy price."

The civil society actor Abdellah Sfinte describes this practice as an unsustainable overexploitation of the region’s underground reserves. He recalls that watermelon cultivation is extremely water-intensive: the production of a single kilogram would require between 200 and 300 liters, and a single medium-sized watermelon up to 2,000 liters. He warns that the continuation of this agriculture could lead the region to "thirst" and "forced exodus."

Faced with this situation, the residents of Iznaguen have launched an appeal to the authorities for emergency intervention. They are demanding the prohibition of watermelon cultivation in areas affected by water scarcity, strict control of well drilling, restriction of pumping, and support for local farmers to orient them towards alternative and sustainable crops.