Morocco’s Court of Audits has issued recommendations calling for an integrated development strategy capable of simultaneously addressing food sovereignty challenges and decarbonization objectives. The institution, led by Zineb El Adaoui, highlights significant delays across the agri-food sector, maritime fishing, and forest management in its annual report.
The court urges comprehensive modernization of agri-food product marketing systems, strengthening downstream control mechanisms and strict enforcement of packaging and hygiene standards. According to the audit findings, the 2017-2022 agri-food industry program covered only a portion of sector value chains, with just 48% of projects requesting public investment support actually reaching completion.
Maritime fishing faces critical challenges, the report indicates. Authorities have delayed adopting a new development strategy for the sector and activating several governance bodies. Certain fish species continue experiencing over-exploitation beyond acceptable biological thresholds. Marine aquaculture remains marginal, representing less than 1% of national production due to limited sector attractiveness, legal delays, and insufficient qualified human resources. Illegal fishing practices persist, linked to gaps in monitoring and control systems, particularly at local levels. The court recommends rapid adoption of a new fishing development strategy to consolidate achievements and ensure resource sustainability.
Forest ecosystems face severe pressure, losing approximately 17,000 hectares annually while pastoral pressure exceeds environmental capacity by two to three times. Multiple deficiencies hinder forest reconstitution program success. The institution recommends developing a comprehensive action plan integrating all interventions with clearly defined objectives. It advocates strengthening forestry research, improving seedling production systems, and establishing an integrated information system to ensure continuous monitoring of ecosystem restoration operations.
The audit emphasizes that Morocco must accelerate strategic planning and implementation across these interconnected sectors to achieve food security while meeting climate commitments. The recommendations stress coordination between agricultural development, marine resource protection, and forest conservation as essential components of sustainable national development.
