Morocco has a population of roughly 37 million,[1] with 65% of the population living in urban areas.[2] The agricultural sector employs 31% of the labour force in Morocco[3] and accounts for 10% of the national GDP.[4]
Poverty in Morocco is strongly evident in its rural areas, whose inhabitants depend heavily, directly or indirectly, on agriculture.[5] Agriculture is therefore crucial to the Moroccan economy, as it provides 85% of employment for the rural population of the country. Lack of irrigation is common in Morocco as is the lack of formal land titles, which create unfavourable conditions for farmers to improve their livelihoods.[6] In addition, the sector is highly vulnerable to external weather shocks, which increases the vulnerability of smallholder farmers.[7]
The top produced crops in Morocco are wheat, barley, sugar beet, cow milk, potatoes and olives.[8] As for the largest exported commodities in Morocco, these are sugar, tomatoes, tangerines, watermelons and chillies and peppers, respectively. [9]
- ^ World Bank (2022). https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=MA
- ^ World Bank (2022). https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS?locations=MA
- ^ World Bank (2022). https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.AGR.EMPL.ZS?locations=MA
- ^ World Bank (2022). https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NV.AGR.TOTL.ZS?locations=MA
- ^ Ramirez, J. (2016). Innovations for inclusive agricultural finance and risk mitigation mechanisms: The case of Tamwil El Fellah in Morocco. FAO. http://www.fao.org/3/a-i6166e.pdf
- ^ IFAD. Morocco. https://www.ifad.org/en/web/operations/country/id/morocco
- ^ IFAD (2019). Morocco and IFAD to invest in smallholder farmers’ climate change resilience. https://www.ifad.org/en/web/latest/news-detail/asset/41458972
- ^ FAOSTAT (2021). http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#rankings/commodities_by_country
- ^ FAOSTAT (2021). http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#rankings/commodities_by_country_exports
Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in Morocco varies per sector, ranging from 2,303 Moroccan dirhams (207 EUR) per month in the agricultural sector to 3,500 Moroccan dirhams (314 EUR) per month in the public sector.[1]
The minimum wage in Morocco is above the poverty line level, but the government has not been effective in enforcing basic provisions of the labour law. There are many cases where the minimum wage has not been paid to employees. In addition, the country’s inspecting force lacks resources to carry out adequate inspections, and sanctions have not yet succeeded to stop offenders. [2]
- ^ WageIndicator Foundation (2023). Minimum Wage-Morocco. https://wageindicator.org/salary/minimum-wage/morocco
- ^ U.S. Department of State. 2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Morocco. https://www.state.gov/reports/2019-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/morocco/
Living Wage
The Global Living Wage Coalition has developed a Living Wage reference value study for rural Morocco based on the Anker methodology.
The Anker Living Wage Reference Value for rural Morocco in 2023 is estimated at 2,580 Moroccan dirhams (232 EUR) per month. This is the wage required for workers in a typical rural area of Morocco to afford a basic but decent standard of living for a typical size family.[1]
- ^ Global Living Wage Coalition (2023). Anker Living Wage Reference Value: Rural Morocco. https://www.globallivingwage.org/reference-value/living-wage-reference-value-rural-morocco/
The workers behind the Citrus fruits 
A focused Human Rights Impact Assessment of Coop Sweden’s Moroccan citrus fruit supply chains (2022).
Living Wage Reference Value, Rural Morocco
Living wage estimate for workers to be able to afford a basic but decent living standard in a typical rural area of Morocco. Global Living Wage Coalition.
Food Price Inflation and Food Security: A Morocco case study
This report by IISD focuses on the effect of inflation for the Food security level of Morocco.
Creating positive change for workers
This report looks at the collaboration of Fairfood with a local trade union to improve working conditions in the Moroccan tomato sector, and to ensure living wages.
Farmers’ organizations and smallholder development
This report by IFAD, focuses on the effect of farmers’ organizations for the development of smallholders livelihoods, with case studies from 12 countries.