Morocco's prolonged seven-year drought has officially concluded following substantial winter rainfall, Water Minister Nizar Baraka announced on January 12, 2026. The nation's reservoirs, critically depleted after years of water scarcity, are now rebounding with dam-filling rates reaching 46%—a stark improvement from recent lows.
This winter's rainfall exceeded last year's levels by 95% and surpassed seasonal averages by 17%, according to parliamentary reports. Key reservoirs, including those serving major agricultural regions, have reached full capacity, offering immediate relief to farmers who endured crop failures and livestock reductions during the drought.
The government's accelerated desalination strategy, revealed by Baraka in December 2025, aims to source 60% of drinking water from treated seawater by 2030. This shift intends to preserve dam water for inland communities and irrigation needs while addressing long-term climate uncertainties.
Agricultural experts warn that while current conditions are promising, sustainable water management remains crucial for maintaining food security and rural employment. The drought had previously reduced wheat harvests by up to 40% in some regions and displaced thousands of farm workers.
