Groundwater Resources Management in the Eastern Moroccan Steppes: Agricultural Exploitation Pressures and Sustainability Challenges – A Case Study of the Tafrata Plain

Abstract

Morocco, in its arid and semi-arid regions, faces increasing challenges in water resource management, impacting important economic sectors. These challenges are closely linked to environmental, social, and economic factors. These regions are characterized by low rainfall, making them vulnerable to recurring droughts that negatively impact water availability. At the local level, the eastern steppe regions are most affected by water scarcity for several reasons. The Tafrata Plain in eastern Morocco is one of the regions facing severe environmental challenges related to water resources, as indicated by the study results. This is due to its latitudinal location in a semi-arid climate that relies heavily on groundwater resources for human exploitation. This has led to a decline in groundwater levels due to the overexploitation of wells, especially in light of the spread of commercial agriculture that requires large quantities of water. Achieving sustainability in the study area remains linked to the need to strengthen participatory water resource management and support local populations in adopting agricultural practices that are less water-intensive, ensuring the preservation of these vital resources within the framework of sustainable agricultural development.