Ramadan is Coming and Food Prices Rise

Ramadan 2018 is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, May 15 and end in the evening of Thursday, June 14. Although it is still a few weeks away, the annual price hikes have begun in the local food souks. Vegetables, seafood or arboriculture, white or red meats and fish are all suffering from soaring prices

Apart from the approach of Ramadan there is no other explanation for this bullish trend is advanced, especially as this year was particularly rainy and good for local agriculture.

Despite assurances given by the authorities in recent weeks about the control of prices and the quality of basic products, they remain particularly expensive two weeks before the start of Ramadan. Even with a good agricultural year, which should have contributed to a decrease, or even a mere stabilisation, the prices of many basic necessities are on the rise.

The daily Al Ahdath Al Magribia has toured the market stalls of Casablanca and reports that vegetables (onions, potatoes, turnips, carrots, tomatoes ...) are currently in a range of 7 to 10 dirhams, while observers announce the start of an inexorable uptrend that will continue until the end of Ramadan.

The same trend applies for fruits, especially those of local production whose supply is abundant and which should have seen their prices fall. However, apple varieties are traded from a minimum price of 10 to 12 dirhams in different markets of the economic capital, while the local banana is accessible at a minimum price of 11 to 13 dirhams, not to mention seasonal fruits of season for which sell for an average of 25 dirhams per kg.

As for meat, they display between 65 and 75 dirhams kg for red meats, while live chicken is currently sold at 16 dirhams per kilo, against 55 dirhams for turkey. Prices of which it is certain, as it happens every year, that they climb from the first week of Ramadan, recalls the newspaper. Indeed, meat and fish, products widely used during Ramadan, in the same way that the grains whose kilo price currently reached 90 dirhams or sesame which varies, according to its category, from 30 to 80 dirhams on the eve of each Ramadan, an increase of 15 to 25% of their prices.

A trend confirmed by the statistics of the High Commission's plan which, in a note of conjuncture relating to price indices, concluded that during the period from February to March 2018, the price of fish and seafood has risen 4.7%, compared to 0.9% for fruit and 0.7% for meat.

The Ministry of the Interior has also undertaken several checks to ensure the consumer, during Ramadan, a quality of products sold and a suitable selling price.

More than 1,000 field visits were carried out, throughout the month of April, by various regional and local control commissions in more than 20,000 large and medium-sized areas, but also in production units, product storage depots food stores, wholesale outlets, and small corner stores. This control led to the detection of nearly 500 infringement cases and the seizure of 300 tonnes of defective food products for sale or in stock.

But this year, the Moroccan citizen can also contribute to this control. Thanks to a national number that will soon be communicated by the Ministry of the Interior, consumers and traders can file a complaint against a sale of food products whose quality is poor or which would display a higher selling price than the market .

"A special commission will be listening to the citizens 24 hours a day and it is only with their help that we can be more vigilant and thus counter those who play with the health of the Moroccan consumer", announces Lahcen Daoudi adding that the commission will make sure to react in less than 48 hours to the complaint.


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When Will it Rain? Morocco's Drought

Morocco is in the second year of a severe drought and the impact on the economy is showing

Photo: Issam Oukhouya/Associated Press

Last year, wheat and barley production in Morocco was at its lowest level in a decade, according to World Grain, an industry magazine. The shortage was due to “inadequate rainfall during the planting season and the shortage of rain during the critical months of February and March.”

Wheat is a staple in Morocco and elsewhere in North Africa, according to the magazine. The average Moroccan consumes more than 440 pounds of wheat every year, one of the highest per capita rates in the world. The country irrigates only about 10 percent of its land, leaving it susceptible to drought.

Last year, during earlier stages of the drought, the king tried an age-old practice in a bid to save Morocco’s crops: prayer. On two Fridays in January, he led national rain prayers after normal worship ended.

But experts say the government needs agricultural solutions, not divine intervention: increased irrigation, better management of a growing population and improved purification of the water already in the country’s water pipes.

Waiting for water from a well in Zagora

Residents of many drought-stricken villages blame the shortages on the overuse of sparse resources for agriculture, especially the cultivation of watermelons and accuse the ministry of agriculture of allowing this water-intensive production "which provides profit for big farmers to the detriment of the inhabitants".

The Washington Post reports David Goeury, a geographer at Paris IV-La Sorbonne University, saying that a ban on water-intensive watermelon farming, would help. Morocco is one of the region’s top exporters of the melon.

“The problem is that watermelon demands a lot of water and requires drilling. If the water table is overexploited, its water level will drop or the quality of the water will be altered because it will come into contact with saltwater,” Goeury said.

The lack of water is having a ripple effect on the country’s gross domestic product and security. Water, the Associated Press wrote, “is becoming a threat to national stability in the kingdom, seen as a steady force in a restive region and key ally with the West in the fight against terrorism.”

Charafat Afailal, the secretary of state in charge of water, said change is needed — soon. “The issue of water has always been a priority for Morocco, but today, after two years of drought, we have to move on to higher gear,” she said.

The Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, Aziz Akhannouch, said in Rabat on Monday that his department will take, during this agricultural season, several measures including ensuring a sufficient and regular supply of inputs and rationalisation of water resources.

In response to five questions related to the preparations for this agricultural season, posed by several groups in the House of Representatives, Mr. Akhannouch said that the Ministry will continue to implement the agricultural insurance program that will concern this season an area of one million hectares of agricultural land and 50,000 hectares of orchards, in addition to a series of financing measures for farmers.

According to the latest available weather forecasts, Morocco should see some showers next week. Rain is expected over three days starting on Wednesday. It remains to be seen just how much rain arrives.

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Drop in Sheep Price For Eid

Eid al-Adha, when Muslims slaughter sheep and cattle in remembrance of Abraham's near-sacrifice of his son can be an expensive time for many Moroccan families. Thankfully, this year the price of sheep is set to be considerably lower than 2016

The main reason behind the lower prices is the abundance of sheep due to a good agricultural season.

Families usually expect a rise in prices as the sacrifice feast draws near. However, this year the livestock markets are calm and show a range between 39 and 45 dirhams per kilo as compared to between 55 and 80 dirhams last year. The price of livestock feed has dropped considerably, due to good growing conditions, and is seen as a determining factor in the final price.

Similarly, the abundant supply of sheep is pushing prices down. The 510,000 sheep and 3,000 goats offered for sale are sufficient for the whole population and have been certified free of disease, contrary to rumours of previous years.

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Cannabis in Morocco - the Struggle to Decriminalise

The Party for Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) have joined the push to legalise the production of cannabis in Morocco. Their move comes in a parliamentary bill to create a national cannabis agency

The bill, submitted last Wednesday, proposes that a new national agency will be responsible for the production and marketing of cannabis for industrial or therapeutic purposes.

To ensure security of the sales, the new agency would include representatives of the Ministries of the interior, health, agriculture and the Royal Police.

While the sale and consumption of marijuana is still illegal in the country, analysts estimate the market is worth 10% of Morocco’s GDP, roughly $11.7 billion a year.

PAM are not the only political party moving in this direction, with Istiqlal having a draft bill in preparation to legalise the sale of cannabis, which they see as the first step in aiding the region's small farmers and the local economy.

Most likely any moves towards changing the status quo will founder on political grounds, with strong opposition from the governing Justice and Development Party (PJD).  Following a recent symposium on cannabis, organised by the Regional Council of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima,  the PJD released a statement saying that it maintained a “categorical refusal of any questionable approaches that aim to decriminalise the cultivation and consumption of cannabis because of the proven danger to the health of citizens and social cohesion.”

The PJD, whose secretary general is Morocco’s head of government, also accused supporters of the decriminalisation of cannabis cultivation of “exploiting” the issue “for electoral purposes.”

“The fact is that decriminalising the cultivation of cannabis, its trade and its consumption will inevitably lead to its spread…which will…strengthen the domestic and international drug trafficking networks that go against the interests of citizens, the reputation of Morocco and the country’s international obligations,” the PJD said.

The symposium, the first international conference on drugs and cannabis,  was held on the 18 and 19 March in Tangier with the theme: .“Alternatives Based on Sustainable Development, Health and Human Rights”.

Ilyass El Omari

At the opening of the conference, the Secretary General of the Authenticity and Modernity Party, Ilyass El Omari, said that the problem of cannabis cultivation required opening a frank and responsible dialogue between political, economic and human rights actors, placing the issue of job creation at the centre of the conversation.

For El Omari, approaching the issue of cannabis cultivation in general as well as its socio-cultural implications specifically should not override the most pressing objectives, which are the realisation of socio-economic justice and improving the living conditions of the local population.

However, in disagreement with recommendations concluded by symposium, Abdessamad Sekkal, president of the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra region and PJD member, believes this type of cultivation is leading to the destruction of local development in northern areas, as well as social disintegration.

“This type of agriculture leads to the production of drugs, which means every process that aims to facilitate cultivation of cannabis would only lead automatically to the exacerbation of the spread of drugs,” says Sekkal.

Abdessamad Sekkal

At the same time there is another agenda at play, with a more international impact.  Franco Roberti, Italy's top prosecutor, recently told Reuters that decriminalising cannabis sales would strike a blow against Islamic State militants and Italian mobsters who, according to ongoing investigations, are working together smuggling hashish.

The main smuggling route for North African hash - compressed cannabis resin - now runs from Casablanca, through Algeria, Tunisia to Tobruk in eastern Libya, said Roberti.

Along that route is the seaside city of Sirte, which now serves as a Mediterranean base for the most powerful Islamic State (IS) branch outside Syria and Iraq.

Meanwhile, while the politicians argue the merits of decriminalising, the illicit trade goes on. Moroccan authorities announced on Saturday that they foiled a smuggling operation in the coastal city of Agadir involving 17.4 tonnes of cannabis meant to be sent to Scandinavian countries.

The drugs were packed in bags to be transported by vessels on the high seas, authorities said in a statement.

Moroccan security services arrested seven people and seized $100,000 in cash, two trucks, four cars, ships, arms and ammunition.

Last Sunday, Morocco said it had also aborted a smuggling involving 6.3 tonnes of cannabis heading to Europe.

Cannabis cultivation, which was legal in some areas of the Rif until 1974, is deep-rooted in the region of northern Morocco, and farmers continue to grow cannabis regardless of the legal consequences, with, according to the United Nations, about 80,000 families in the Rif Mountains make their living off of growing cannabis.

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Moroccan News Briefs #126

Feature: Morocco's Counterterrorism Success Story

Our feature article is an important piece written by Ahmed Charai for The National Interest. Ahmed Charai is publisher of the weekly Moroccan newspaper L'Observateur and president of MED Radio, a national broadcast network in Morocco, MEDTV network and chairman of the board of Al-Ahdath al-Maghrebiya Arabic daily newspaper. As an expert on Morocco and North Africa, he sits on the Board of Trustees of the Foreign Policy Research Institute and the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. He is a member of The National Interest's Advisory Council.

It’s been a good week in the struggle against terrorism: Italy busted an ambitious plot by Islamic extremists to attack the Vatican; French police arrested a jihadist before he could attack Paris churches; and in Boston, the prosecution rested in the penalty phase of the trial of Boston Marathon bomber Dzokhar Tsarnaev. But the United States is on high alert—or should be—as ISIS sets its sights on American targets.  Meanwhile, from the mass killing of university students in Kenya to the bombing of the Spanish embassy in Libya to a rash of attacks in Egypt, reminders pour in across the Arab and Muslim world that whether you’re a functioning democracy, a military-led regime or a failing state, you are vulnerable.

Over a recent multileg trip from my home in Casablanca to Paris to Zambia, I met with actors in politics, civil society, the private sector and state government—and noticed that the April uptick in terror schemes, foiled and otherwise, has provoked a growing debate on the tools of counterterrorism. There has been a growing divide, moreover, in prescriptions for the developed democracies of Europe on the one hand and Muslims states in the developing world on the other. The former face popular pressure to ratchet up security measures and loosen the laws that restrain them. The latter, by contrast, encounter calls from friends in the West to do the opposite—press the “national security state” to relax its hold on the population, and bolster political reforms toward the rule of law and policies to alleviate poverty and marginalization.

As a participant in these conversations, I’ve found that nearly all parties were curious to know more about my own country, Morocco—which over the past ten years has proven to be one of the safest countries in the world.

With its new constitution guaranteeing a prominent and credible role of an elective government alongside the monarchy, it stands in between the variety of political structures found in countries East, West and South. As such, it bears relevance to all of the above, and merits scrutiny and an effort to extract some lessons.

In 2003, the country experienced its own “September 11”—a triple suicide bombing claiming forty-five lives; the deadliest in its history. The risk of further attacks was seen to be high: Morocco prides itself on being open to the world, and welcoming tourists from the West, migrant workers from the South and, alas, ideological overtures from the East. With its large population of poor and underprivileged citizens, prospects were great that outside jihadist elements could exploit domestic grievances and target the pro-Western establishment, local patriots and foreign visitors.

King Mohammed VI, who had recently taken the helm from his late father, vowed a three-pronged approach to fighting the scourge of political violence: On the one hand, he would beef up security measures. At the same time, he would institute systemic reforms to enhance the rule of law. Meanwhile, he committed to employing aggressive anti-poverty measures, including razing the shantytowns, fighting unemployment and the corruption that exacerbates it and upping educational opportunity. And finally, he would reform the religious establishment—by evicting jihadist preachers from the country’s mosques and investing heavily in the spiritual, Sufi strand of Islam—its traditions deeply rooted in Morocco’s history and culture.

Twelve years later, the effect can be seen at any division of the Central Bureau of Investigation (BCIJ), the country’s equivalent of the FBI, which has gone through a major overhaul over the course of the monarch’s ongoing rule. Together, its investigators—both men and women—pursue a holistic approach of probing terror groups alongside other criminal networks, such as those that traffic in drugs and people. They know intimately the symbols and rites of the different religio-political streams, both inside the country and in the broader region. They have cultivated sources, moreover, in a variety of institutions and from the big cities to the villages to the border areas. But they have been schooled to perform their sleuthing in accordance with new laws that are almost as severe on security officers as they are on the criminals they pursue. Human-rights education being an integral part of cadets’ training, today’s enforcers follow these laws not just because they have been instructed to do so, but because they believe in them.

And the population knows it: Morocco is perhaps the only country in the world in which counterterror agents interact with the population in a manner structured like the model of “community policing.” These officials know that by establishing a warm rapport with locals, trust between the BCIJ and the local population will grow and the locals may even serve informally as the BCIJ’s eyes and ears. Considerably more than in the past, these citizens feel enfranchised: They know that their needs matter to the government, and their votes select and check the people who lead it. More of them are educated. More of them are working. And fewer than ever before identify with jihadist elements in the region that would threaten the country’s security.

Moroccans feel that their country can serve the counterterrorism struggles now being waged in Western countries, the Arab world and countries south of the Sahara in two important ways: as a model and as a partner.

Though the countries of the West are wealthier and their police units more technologically advanced, they tend to lack the nuance necessary to patrol Muslim citizens with the dignity that is due them. They are still home, moreover, to underprivileged communities—the lion’s share of whom are Muslim—who badly need their living conditions to improve and to feel enfranchised in the system. And while their grievances are no excuse for terrorism, they are victims of the poisonous ideals taught to them by religious preachers that their host governments have long permitted to lead and instruct. For Europe’s police and policy planners, Moroccans can share knowledge and expertise and also become an exporter of enlightened clerics.

The same applied in the developing world. But in addition to similar security, public policy and cultural-religious needs, these countries badly need to enhance the rule of law—a necessary condition to keep the police in check and build confidence between civilians and the establishment. On this score, Western states are further along than Morocco, but do not provide a model that developing countries can readily apply. The gradual steps Morocco has taken, by contrast, show how a poor country with similar struggles has made considerable strides in a short period of time. The takeaways are more relevant—and the potential outcomes more promising.

General News and Gossip

Morocco Expecting Record Grain Harvest

Morocco expects its cereal harvest to hit a record 11 million tonnes after good rains this year, up from 6.7 million in 2014, the agriculture minister said on Monday. Agriculture accounts for more than 15 percent of the north African country's gross domestic product (GDP).

In 2013, the harvest hit 9.7 million tonnes, including 5.2 million tonnes of soft wheat.

"This campaign is exceptional on all levels," agriculture minister Aziz Akhannouch (pictured above) said at the opening of the annual agriculture fair in Meknes.

Morocco will raise the custom duty on soft wheat imports to 75 percent from 17.5 percent, from May 1 to Oct. 31, to protect the local harvest, the government announced this month.

Morocco's GDP is expected to grow by 5 percent this year, up from a previous forecast of 4.4 percent and against 2.5 percent in 2014, as the government expects farm output to expand.

Agricultural output rose by 12.5 percent in the first quarter of 2015, including growth of 8.8 percent in the cereal production, according to Morocco's Planning Agency.

World Bank Backs Morocco's Health and Energy Goals with Cash

The World Bank has approved two loans totalling US$248.95 million to support Morocco in its national health strategy and to promote clean energy and energy efficiency.

In the health sector, a US$100-million loan will finance increased access to and improved quality of public services for poor and rural populations in disadvantaged regions, the institution said in a statement.

Investment in the energy sector will support the country's ongoing efforts to reduce its dependency on imported fossil fuels.

"This project will help to strengthen primary care across nine regions to address disparities in health outcomes and upgrade management information systems and sector accountability," said Enis Baris, World Bank's health, nutrition and population practice manager for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region.

Morocco has achieved significant improvements in health outcomes, with reduction in child and maternal mortality rates of 64 percent and 66 percent respectively over the past 20 years.

The World Bank said inequality in access to health services coupled with limited resources allocated to the sector called for a strategy to improve the distribution and quality of health services.

The Health Sector Support Programme for Results Project is designed to underpin that strategy.

The second project -- Clean and Efficient Energy Project -- will be co-financed by a US$125-million loan from World Bank and a US$23.95-million loan from the Clean Technology Fund.

This project will support Morocco's state-owned electricity and water company to develop its first set of three mid-sized decentralised solar photovoltaic plants.

Since 2011, the World Bank's private sector arm, International Finance Corporation (IFC) has stepped up its engagement in the country and invested US$590 million to support private sector development.

Moroccan Real Estate Set to Boom

The real estate market is one of the best indicators to monitor the health of a national economy and in Morocco this sector appears to be gearing up for a season of full recovery after a crisis from which it has undeniably not recovered yet.

The weak signs registered a few months ago are growing stronger and British think tank Oxford Business Group in its report - partly published by the website La Vie éco - described the real estate market in the Kingdom as going through a positive phase for sales, especially in the so-called residential segment.

What is occurring, paradoxically, finds an explanation in the economic crisis which, as is always the case, pushes down real estate prices, leading buyers to invest in different types of real estate acquisitions. A confirmation comes from data concerning sale contracts last year, which registered a 17% increase for apartments while commercial spaces jumped 13.5%.

The sector, however, suffered from housing policies brought forward by the government, which increased social housing (with highly competitive prices compared to traditional ones), thus limiting the number of those willing to buy.

In addition, the government's fiscal policies had a positive impact in this circumstance, including partial tax cuts and lower VAT for low incomes.

Now - and this is the most positive aspect - the market appears to have stabilized, after the boom registered in 2007 (before the start of a worldwide economic crisis) and subsequent years of recession.

Thus the sector is once again enticing buyers, including foreigners who have established themselves in Morocco over the past few years and are highly courted by the market.

Another Fatal Bus Crash

According to a report carried by Maghreb Arab Presse (MAP) there has been another major road accident. This follows the fatal road accident of Tantan that claimed the lives of 34 people. aThe latest accident occurred this morning near Ouarzazate and took the lives of 14 people with 21 injured.

A passenger bus travelling between Meknes and Ouarzazate overturned in a dangerous winding road of Torjaddal area, about 45 kilometres from Ouarzazate.

Civil protection teams and local authorities were dispatched to the scene of the accident to rescue the victims.

Every year between 60,000 and 70,000 traffic accidents occur in the country, which result in the death of an average of 4000 people, the equivalent to about 11 every day. The estimated cost of these accidents to the State’s budget is 11 billion dirhams ($1,5 billion), which represents between 2 and 2%5 of the country’s GDP.

Morocco - Party Destination of the Stars

Former footballer David Beckham turns 40 on May 2 and is reportedly planning to celebrate his birthday in Marrakech, where he and wife Victoria Beckham renewed their wedding vows in 2008.

Guests are likely to include Gordon Ramsay and Tom Cruise, as well as Guy Ritchie, Liv Tyler and her boyfriend Dave Gardner, as well as Beckham's former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville.

Last weekend there was another lavish party in Marrakech. Lebanese billionaire and former prime minister Najib Mikati celebrated his son’s wedding on Saturday at the El Badi Palace.

Sources say over 1,000 people attended Malick Mikati’s wedding, including Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab and Egyptian singer Amr Diab.

The Mikati family also hosted a brunch party at the La Mamounia luxurious hotel on Sunday.

Morocco and New Zealand Top Film Locations

The UK Guardian newspaper has ranked Morocco and New Zealand among the top 10 film destinations for international film-makers in the world.

The Guardian reports that Morocco is currently “the first choice of American film-makers seeking a safe stand-in for the Middle East – a common demand these days, with Iraq war films still in heavy demand.”

Following the likes of Body of Lies and Green Zone, Morocco’s capital Rabat was also the choice of American director Clint Eastwood to film his movie American Sniper.

Eastwood turned Rabat into “a reasonable substitute for the shrapnel-strewn streets of Fallujah,” the Guardian said.

According to the newspaper, Morocco has also successfully “masqueraded” as Somalia (Black Hawk Down), Tibet (Kundun), ancient Rome (Gladiator) and even Games of Thrones’s imaginary Westeros.

Morocco was in first place followed by New Zealand, Cape Town, Greystone Mansion, Prague, London, Monument Valley, Utah (United States), Griffith Park, Los Angeles, and Almeria, Spain

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Photo of the Day ~ Rain Turns Sahara Green

What a difference a drop of water can make. Recent rains have caused parts of the Sahara desert to bloom

Thanks to Morocco Deserts for this photo

See more in our Photo of the Day series

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African Blue ~ A New Niche Market for Morocco

Moroccan berry growers have begun developing Australian blueberry varieties in order to fill a gap in global production.  The two month window between the end of Chilean production and the commencement of Spanish berries gives Morocco a unique opportunity to enter the European market

The Australian blueberry varieties developed for plantings in Morocco have shown that the interaction between the fruit and the Moroccan soil and climate produces a high quality yield.

“Moroccan blueberry production is well-positioned and can offer fruit during a unique window,” explained Jean Cesar, supply chain manager for African Blue. “Chile finishes its season by February, and the next country that can supply blueberries in the Northern Hemisphere is Spain, which starts around mid-April. From February 15 to April 15 no other country can offer quality Kirra blueberries during this period.”

Kirra blueberries are African Blue exclusivity, they have excellent size, colour, sugar and texture, noted Jean Cesar, making them an attractive option for consumers. While local consumption skews toward strawberries, demand for blueberries abroad has been robust.

“Demand is very high, and it will continue to grow as more consumers become aware of the healthy benefits of blueberries,” said Jean Cesar. “African blue will offer 3000 tons of berries this season, and we should reach 7,000 tons by 2017.”

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Moroccan Economy ~ Mixed Messages for the Year Ahead

Morocco will experience strong economic growth in 2015 based on expectation of a bountiful harvest and the drop in oil prices, authorities said on Tuesday

Ahmed Lahlimi Alami, the high planning commissioner, told journalists that growth was expected to be 4.8 percent in 2015, a dramatic increase over 2.6 percent the previous year, which was marked by a poor harvest. "2015 will be a good year because we are counting on predictions of a good agricultural year," Alami said. "We will also profit from the fall in the price for oil."

However, other reports suggest that the weather will play a part in lowering expectations of some agricultural products, particularly citrus and industry insiders say adverse weather toward the end of 2014 led the Moroccan citrus industry to substantially revise its production estimate for the season.

The Moroccan Citrus Producers’ Association (ASPAM) now believed total volumes would not exceed 500,000 metric tons (MT), down from the initial forecast of 600,000MT.

Heavy rainfall and strong winds in November last year are said to have caused extensive crop damage, particularly in the southern region of Souss where more than half of the country’s export volumes are produced.

Although the weather took its toll on citrus production, the rainfall did provide some relief to drought conditions in the country.

With a current estimated production of some 1.9 million MT, it is now believed no more than 30% will be fit for export.

Energy Subsidies

Unlike neighbouring Algeria whose economy depends almost entirely on oil, Morocco imports nearly all of its energy and has experienced a windfall from the dramatic fall in prices.

Morocco's Islamist-led government has pursued austerity programs since coming to power in 2012, freezing government hiring, cutting sensitive fuel subsidies and spending.

According to Alami, the amount spent on subsidies fell from nearly $6 billion in 2012 to $3.5 billion in 2014.

Faced with the pro-democracy Arab Spring demonstrations in 2011, Morocco's previous government incurred a great deal of debt by dramatically raising salaries and increased government spending in 2011.

Tourism

On the tourism front, things are looking good for Morocco. The country experienced a good result over the Christmas and New Year period and although tourist numbers are low at the moment they are expected to rise again by the end of January.

Dspite the decline in the number of French tourists, Marrakech achieved a 6% growth both in arrivals as nights, especially with strong growth of the British and German markets.

As an example of the trends, tourism in Marrakesh managed to stay on course for growth in 2014. Tourism in the Red City performed well with 1.89 million arrivals and growth of 6% for overnight stays and indicators arrivals.

According to statistics obtained from the Regional Tourism Council (CRT) of Marrakech, in late December 2014 and all markets, the city recorded a cumulative 1.89 million arrivals (+ 6%) and 6088 000 overnight stays (+ 6%) with an occupancy rate reaching 53%.

French market decline

In terms of growth, the English and the Germans are leading the pack with growth rates between 30 and 40%. The French market has experienced significant declines - 6% for arrivals and - 5% for overnight stays in 2014.

This performance, exceeding the global growth rate of 4.5% forecast by the World Tourism Organisation for the year 2014 and that recorded nationally, are explained by several factors, including the growth in airline flights. Marrakech has improved by 33 additional air services to and from European markets, bringing the offer to 280 rotations week performed by thirty companies. With the launch of new lines, particularly from Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany and Austria, Marrakech Menara Airport has achieved a 4 million passenger record, up 5% in one year.

The steady growth of the tourism sector in Marrakech in recent years is also due to the development of the activity related to business tourism, conferences and events. With three convention centres, Marrakesh confirms its leadership in the national and continental congress tourism.


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Morocco May Benefit From World Olive Oil Shortage

When the rain doesn't fall in Spain, olive-oil buyers brace for higher prices. But bad news for consumers may be good news for Morocco with increased demand for Moroccan olive oil

The dreadful 12 months for olives in several major producing countries has led to last year being labelled the “black year” for the industry and to the doubling of the bulk cost of olive oil in some areas.

A drought in Spain, the world's No. 1 producer of olive oil, has prompted fears of widespread shortages that could send the market spiralling upward. This year's crop from some Spanish farms could be down 40% from 2013, according to oilseeds forecasting agency Oil World. Very dry weather in the key olive-producing region of Andalusia in May and June ravaged the olive trees during their flowering period, when they need moisture for the fruit to ripen correctly.

"The drought in Spain and its impact on the olive market is potentially very significant," said Lamine Lahouasnia, head of packaged food at Euromonitor International.  "It very likely that we'll see rising consumer prices ."

Unusual weather and a proliferation of insects and bacterial blight have devastated the harvest in several countries. Analysts have been predicting a bad year for olive oil since the summer, after it became clear that hot late spring weather in Spain was going to have a key impact on autumn harvests. Other producers have been coming in with equally poor results, adding to the woes of the industry Europe-wide.

In Italy a bacteria strain known as Xylella fastidiosa threatens to increase olive oil costs by as much as 40 percent. Olive growers from the Puglia region of Italy say that the only way to stop its spread is to burn the infected trees.

The olive fly that thrived on a cold, wet summer this year has devastated the annual olive harvest in Tuscany and Umbria. In addition, unusually large flocks of starlings have been reported as further destroying the fruits in parts of southern Italy, leading to calls for a cull.

“This is the worst year in memory,” said Pietro Sandali, head of the Italian olive growers consortium, Unaprol.

In Greece, the olive output has been more stable, but the other smaller producing countries may not pick up the strain: Morocco and Tunisia have also suffered from some bad weather, while Syria, which claims to be the birthplace of the olive tree and which has 74 million trees, has been affected by the civil war.

Global consumption of olive oil has increased steadily over the past two decades to the current level of 2.3 million tons a year, partly because of growing demand from developing countries including China and India, according to the International Olive Council.

Another aspect of the situation that worries industry insiders is that less oil and higher demand means an increased likelihood of olive oil fraud. Authentication tests conducted by the University of California at Davis revealed that many major brands of so-called olive oil contained cheap fillers like rapeseed (canola) oil that are cheaper and less healthy.

Moroccan Olive plantations outside of Fez

On the supply side, growing demand and higher prices is encouraging investment in production in other countries on the Mediterranean, such as Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey.

Total production in Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey has grown by almost a third over the past decade, and world exports of olive oil have risen by a fifth since 2007, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Meanwhile, savvy residents of Fez are stocking up by making the trip to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun where some of Morocco's best olive oil is available at very reasonable prices.

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Moroccan Dates ~ Will Production Reap 7 Billion Dirhams by 2020?

Dates in Morocco are some of the best in the world, but the industry has been struggling to increase production, global sales and to restore old palm groves. 

In a normal year, domestic production of dates amounts to over 100,000 tons. Annual consumption of dates is 3 kg per person at the national level but as high as against 15 kg in the areas where the dates are produced.

While the geographical spread of ​​date palms in Morocco is over 13 provinces located in the south-east of the country in particular Figuig, Errachidia, Tinerhir, Ouarzazate, Zagora and Tata Guelmim, the main production of dates is concentrated in three areas; Ouarzazate (41%), Tafilalet (28%) and Tata (20%).  Ouarzazate and Errachidia alone contribute about 90% of the national production of dates.

Moroccan date groves cover an area of ​​about 48,000 ha, corresponding to about 4.8 million palm trees at an average density of 100 plants per hectare, making the Kingdom the 3rd rank in the Maghreb region and the 7th globally.

The date industry is responsible for the creation of 1.6 million working days, equivalent to 6,400 permanent workers over 250 days per year.

Despite this performance, the industry faces a number of challenges, including production shortfalls and a varietal mix that is not necessarily and tailored to the needs of investors.

Morocco imports nearly 30% of dates to supply the local market so increased domestic production is a priority in order to meet domestic demand particularly during the period of Ramadan.

With the aim to promote and develop the date sector, the government has undertaken various actions to strengthen research facilities, coaching and encouraging farmers to restore and increase their palm groves

Included in the government program is a plan for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing palm trees on a total area of ​​48,000 ha and plantation expansion outside palm areas of ​​17,000 ha. The aim is to reach a production of 160,000 tonnes in 2020.

The government plan also aims to strengthen national availability of small palms for planting by increasing the average annual production capacity to 300,000 plants between 2010 and 2020 against 60,000 plants per year during the five-year period 2005-2009.

A date palm nursery

The plan is also investigating the development of exports of superior quality dates to reach 5,000 tonnes in 2020 against negligible amounts currently exported.

With the implementation of the Green Morocco Plan and through the considerable efforts of producers, the profession and the state, the date industry has improved significantly. Production had reached 108,000 tonnes by 2013, up 15% compared to 2010, the beginning of the  program.

This year, the news is mixed with Morocco expecting its dates output to reach 92,000 tons in 2014, down by 12 pc compared to 2013 as a result of low rainfall.

Inspecting dates at the 5th International Date Fair in Erfoud

On Thursday agriculture and sea fisheries minister, Aziz Akhannouch, speaking at the 5th international dates fair in Morocco (Sidattes 2014), said that top quality varieties destined to export will post a surplus in the 2016-2017 season, due to increased investments in high added-value varieties.

Date production’s turnover is estimated annually at 2.7 billion dh and will reach 7 billion DH in 2020 with the Kingdom expected to reach self-sufficiency with an output of 160,000 tons, Aziz Akhannouch said.

The minister also announced the a dam, with a capacity of 280 million cubic meters of water, will be built in the southeastern region of Tafilalet to irrigate around 5,000 to 6,000 hectares of palm groves.


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Moroccan Tomatoes - Ripe for the Picking

Even the cat thinks Moroccan tomatoes look tasty

The flavour of Moroccan tomatoes is unsurpassed, compared to those grown in cooler climes. They are one of the country's most significant exports, with sales to Europe doubling in 10 years to 365,000 tonnes 

This summer has seen some tense negotiations between the EU and Moroccan authorities, after the Brussels Commission changed the rules for determining the entry price of Moroccan tomatoes into European territory, which would have meant taxing them much more heavily. However, a compromise was reached in late June.

For the past decade, Morocco has profited from the increasing openness of the European market, through EU-Morocco Association Agreement, which granted a duty free quota provided Moroccan tomatoes were sold at a minimum price. But Spanish tomato producers contested this, saying that Morocco circumvented this rule by selling cherry tomatoes broken into lots for a greater profit.

Brussels decided to impose the official sales price of the European market, which is often very low and determined by subsidised producers.  However, Morocco had a bargaining chip - their rich fishing waters. King Mohammed VI suspended the signing of the fishing agreement until the dispute over tomatoes was sorted out with the Europeans. The Brussels Commission agreed to make a concession, and a compromise was reached.

Most Moroccan tomatoes are grown in large greenhouses around Agadir and Casablanca, although small producers ensure a steady stream for domestic consumption.

Story and photo: Suzanna Clarke

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Ait Atta Amazigh Nomads Annual Migration

Photographer Abdullah Azizi has produced a series of extraordinary photographs of the annual migration of the Amazigh (Berber) Ait Atta nomads 

Each spring, nomadic Saghro in South Eastern Morocco, leaving their pastures with their herds of goats, sheep and camels, and their entire family. The caravan sets out to cross the plain of Dades and climbs the southern slopes of the Atlas over 3.000m to the the Izourar lake and highlands.

Ait Atta are a group of Amazigh population of Morocco from the Sahara. Jbel Saghro is their original stronghold. They spread around in the valleys of Tafilalet, Ziz, Dades and Draa.

To discover more, visit the photographer's website: azifoto.com


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So Hot and Sunny ~ Perfect for Sun Dried Fruit and Vegetables

Temperatures in Fez and many parts of Morocco are expected to rise over 40 degrees Celsius today. Sure, it's hot, but also with humidity under 60% it is perfect weather for making your own sun dried vegetables

Top of the list are tomatoes, which are exceptionally cheap at the moment.

Before and after - note the addition of herbs

Around the country Moroccans are laying out trays with tomatoes, zucchini and figs. With the vegetables they often sprinkle a generous amount of fresh herbs over them, usually basil and oregano. Some people also add crushed garlic and ground black pepper.

Dried figs are quick and easy to make

In this weather, it only takes a couple of days to produce great dried vegetables which can be stored either in local olive oil or in freezer bags and kept in the fridge.

Zucchini prepared for drying

Photos: Sandy McCutcheon & Suzanna Clarke

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Permaculture Design Course ~ Essaouira

A PERMACULTURE DESIGN CERTIFICATE COURSE WITH DARREN DOHERTY

The 15-Day Permaculture Design Certificate Course runs from the 6th to 20th of October 2014

The Permaculture Design Course (PDC) is an internationally-recognized, seventy-two hour course resulting in a Permaculture Design Certificate. It provides an introduction to permaculture design as set forth by movement founder Bill Mollison and serves as foundation for further permaculture work and study.The course covers sustainable living systems for a wide variety of landscapes and climates. It includes food production, soil regeneration, animal systems, aqua-culture, water harvesting, waste and recycling systems, home design, construction, energy conservation and generation, alternative economic structures, legal strategies and more.

This course will be bi-lingual, conducted in English and translated into Arabic.

Darren Doherty has delivered over 180 courses and seminars to more than 12,000 attendees since 2001, including 40 PDC’s (14 solo). Darren has also completed more than 1600 property development plans since 1993 in 47 countries and is widely recognized as a leader and pioneer in the Permaculture and Regenerative Agriculture movements. You can read more on him and his ‘Regrarian’ movement here and hear him explain regenerative agriculture here.

Darren did his first PDC in 1993 so there are few teachers out there with more experience. Every day this program will have you doing a practical exercise based around the subject of the day, all building real knowledge and experience.

The course follows a-day-to-a-subject program based around Permaculture: A Designer’s Manual (Mollison) as follows:

Day 1: Introduction
Day 2: Concepts & Themes in Design
Day 3: Methods of Design
Day 4: Pattern Understanding
Day 5: Climatic Factors
Day 6: Trees & Their Energy Transactions
Day 7: Soils
Day 8: No Class (Day Off)
Day 9: Water
Day 10: Earthworks & Earth Resources
Day 11: Aquaculture
Day 12: Strategies for An Alternative Nation
Day 13: Humid Tropics
Day 14: Drylands
Day 15: Cold Humid

DETAILS

When: Monday 6th October – Monday 20th October 2014 (Monday 13th October – day off)

Where: The Fertile Roots Eco-Lodge, Al Fayda Village, near Moulay Bouzergtoun, 30kms (15 as the crow flies) north of Essaouira. The lodge is an ambitious project that started life as a centre for the arts and now also has a bright future as the HQ of the Fertile Roots Foundation and as a Permaculture centre. It’s still under construction and has been built almost entirely by the owners and their fishermen and farmer neighbours, utilizing local stone and lime.

The lodge overlooks a narrow strip of farmland sandwiched between the ocean and the forested hillside. Owned and worked by the two communities of Al Fayda and Azrou Issa, these 100 hectares of wind-battered ground are the subject of the Fertile Roots Foundation’s first project. The two communities have come together to form the Al Fayda Permaculture Cooperative

Price:  This is not a profit making venture; the aim is to spread Permaculture here in Morocco and to cover costs. If a profit is made it will go to the Fertile Roots Foundation. PDCs in Europe or the US average around €1500.

International Participants…………Dirhams (MAD) 6,620.00 (This equates to €590 or £480)
National Participants…………..Dirhams (MAD) 4,368.00 (€390)

Fur info and registration: Contact Mark at Fertile Roots with any questions and to register your interest.

WEB: http://www.facebook.com/fertileroots
Email: markanstice@fertileroots.org
And finally, the organizers accept no responsibility if this event is the catalyst for major changes in your life.

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