EMERGENT MOROCCO Volume 42 2024 Introduction Oumaima Mhijir...........................................................................................................................................x The Morocco–Algeria dispute and Western Sahara Samuel R. Ginn ...........................................................................................................................................1 Morocco faces two critical challenges that have direct effects on its national security and economic development. Decades of diplomatic disputes and spates of violence between Morocco and Algeria, stemming from the colonial and postcolonial periods, are intertwined with an ongoing conflict regarding Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. This article examines the historical roots of both challenges and the complexities of their interconnectedness and presents conflict resolution strategies. Agtech: The future of Moroccan agriculture Emily Michnowski.....................................................................................................................................10 Morocco’s agricultural sector is fundamental to the country’s well-being yet faces increasing stress from climate change. Digital technologies for agricultural applications, referred to as agtech, are a pathway to climate-resilient agriculture, allowing for greater precision in farming. The transition to agtech is particularly challenging on small farms. Wider implementation of agtech in Morocco will require targeted government investment and cooperative programming among groups of large and small farms. Overcoming the obstacles of Morocco’s collective land system Christopher J. Marina.................................................................................................................................18 Morocco is among a small number of countries with a land system in which a community, as opposed to individuals, holds rights over property. Established in 1919 during the colonial era of Morocco, communal land—which covers a third of the country—has since become a polarizing subject. This article examines the social, economic, and environmental problems associated with communal land ownership, explores the often inequitable expropriations of such lands, and suggests solutions to land system modernization. Implementing universal health coverage in Morocco Kate Brown.................................................................................................................................................24 Morocco has made significant improvements over the past decade in its health system. However, there is still a lot to be done before universal health coverage can be fully realized. The movement toward universal health coverage includes creating incentives that encourage doctors to practice in Morocco and increasing salaries to improve the patient–doctor ratio. This article explains the existing health-care system and what needs to be changed before implementing universal health coverage. Child marriage in Morocco Lauryn C. Holgado.....................................................................................................................................32 In Morocco, 16% of women are married underaged, well above the region’s average. In many cases, these unions result in both physical and mental trauma for the bride. Due to legal loopholes and cultural practices, many girls still fall victim to this generational custom. Morocco needs to remove contradictory laws and reject underage marriage on an international stage. Suggested efforts in concert with the government, international organizations, and regional initiatives are necessary to spark change. Resolving water scarcity in Morocco Kyra R. Boston...........................................................................................................................................38 Morocco has introduced several environmentally focused initiatives as the country approaches absolute water scarcity. Within these initiatives, a significant emphasis is placed on implementing desalination processes to increase water supply. However, policies fail to address the demand aspect of water scarcity, with increased supply leading to increased demand. This article discusses the current prospects within Morocco’s water scarcity infrastructure and proposes demand management strategies to expand the country’s portfolio of water scarcity solutions. viii
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