Report: Morocco’s small farmers struggle while middlemen cash in

Small and medium family farms in Morocco are facing a tough battle, according to a report from the Economic, Social and Environmental Council. 

The report revealed that several problems are holding these farmers back, starting with too many middlemen taking a large part of their earnings.

Instead of selling directly to buyers, many farmers are forced to go through long chains of intermediaries who often act without proper oversight. 

This not only reduces farmers’ profits, but also causes prices to spike for everyday consumers. 

Worse still, the longer marketing route affects the freshness and quality of the products.

According to the report, most small farmers can’t afford modern tools, fertilizers, or quality seeds. 

Many still depend on traditional methods, and with unpredictable rainfall, crop production becomes even riskier.

Even when they try to get loans, they’re often turned away. That’s because 88% of their lands aren’t officially registered, which disqualifies them from bank credit. 40% of these farmers turn to informal and unsafe sources of funding.

The report also raises alarms about water. With less rain, overuse of underground water, and rising demand from cities and industry, small farmers are finding it harder to access this essential resource.

Many farmers are forced to use imported seeds instead of local ones. While the foreign seeds promise higher yields, they also reduce biodiversity and make farms more vulnerable to climate change. 

There’s little research being done to support traditional farming, and not enough use of modern technology or artificial intelligence that could boost productivity.

When it comes to insurance, the current system doesn’t cover all crops, doesn’t match the real losses farmers face, and follows a one-size-fits-all approach that ignores the specific needs of each farm. 

According to the report, around 2 million family helpers working on farms aren’t even covered by basic health insurance. 

Many young people are leaving rural areas in search of better opportunities, raising fears about the long-term survival of Morocco’s farming traditions.