Small and medium irrigation perimeters (PMH III)

active

Morocco, with a supply of renewable freshwater resources of around 650 m³/capita/year, is exposed to a chronic and constantly worsening freshwater shortage and is therefore considered to be water-poor. Nevertheless, in many regions of Morocco, the majority of available freshwater resources (around 80-90%) are used for agricultural irrigation. In view of the resulting continuous lowering of the groundwater level, the main challenge in the area of agricultural irrigation is to reduce the consistently high water consumption caused by ongoing dynamic socio-economic developments. Resources that are becoming scarcer due to climate change and the limited availability of water due to unfavourable seasonal rainfall are further problems facing agriculture. The project starts here and is intended to generate an improvement in the mobilisation and distribution of water by increasing production areas and yields and using efficient irrigation methods. The rehabilitation measures planned as part of the project cover the entire spectrum of hydraulic infrastructure - from water collection to water distribution through primary and secondary canals. In addition, this will contribute to improving living conditions (including increasing income) in the Souss-Massa project region. The target group of the project are small farms in the project region whose living conditions are characterized by low incomes and inadequate employment opportunities (approx. 35,000 people). By improving the subsistence level, the program has a direct impact on the poor rural population. To ensure the success of the project, the regional project sponsors will be supported by an accompanying measure and the water user communities will be supported by project-related training and further education measures.