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

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.