Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 5.1
Map of Morocco showing its location and its neighbors
The country's history is very ancient as attested by numerous prehistoric and
historic monuments and artefacts. In historical time, the country has seen a number
of invaders and civilizations: Phoenicians, Berber, Carthaginians, Romans, and
Vikings. The Arab conquest came in 681. Morocco has existed, as a state, since
788, when the Idris the First was proclaimed king.
1.2
Economy
The population is about 32 million and the growth rate hovers just below 2 % per
annum. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy since it contributes 17 % of the
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides employment to half of the active labor
force. It has benefited as a priority investment sector by the Government during
the last four decades. As a result of this policy, 92 large dams have been built
with a total capacity of 14 billion m 3 . This and other smaller infrastructure, has
allowed the irrigation of some 1.2 million hectares (Mha). Major irrigated areas
are the Rharb and Loukkos in the NW, the Tadla in the center north of the Atlas,
the Haouz in the Marrakech region, the Souss-Massa in the Agadir region, the
Ouarzazate and Tafilalet south of the Atlas, and the Low Moulouya in the Northeast.
Accelerated land degradation has the potential to increase inflow of sediment to
the reservoirs and reduce storage capacity. Soil erosion has serious negative on-
site effects, such as a decrease in soil productivity. However, it may also have
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