44 PERSPECTIVES ON BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS | VOL 42 | 2024 understanding, the United States Institute of Peace has identified Morocco as a “valuable baseline” for evaluating the future of water scarcity in the African region due to its perceived political stability and foresight in addressing water scarcity (Hill & Pimentel, 2022). Referencing Morocco’s range of existing water stress policies, experience in implementing technological water supply solutions, and potential for enacting crucial demand management strategies, other MENA countries can derive a comprehensive guide to resolving national water stresses. However, Morocco’s value as a standard for water scarcity solutions must not be limited to the MENA region. In addition to the extreme water scarcity in African regions, levels of water stress are rising across the globe. The UN World Water Development Report 2023 draws attention to other regions experiencing high levels of baseline water stress, including Mexico, Southwestern United States, India, Northeastern Asia, and Southern Europe. In addition to baseline water stress, the report acknowledges concerns for areas, such as Eastern Europe and South America, where heightened seasonal variability is having negative implications for water stress. Further statistical studies have identified that around 4B people, about 50% of the world’s current population, face severe water scarcity for at least one month each year, indicating that water scarcity is not limited to developing countries (United Nations, 2023). Because water scarcity is having a direct impact on almost all areas of the world, it has become increasingly critical that all countries work to address their national water scarcity issues. While all countries may not currently be under the extreme stress of countries within the MENA region, climate change and increasing demands will intensify stress in the moderately affected regions in coming decades. Therefore, a global proactive approach will be crucial in mitigating increased water stresses in all regions. Morocco can not only provide sound guidelines to developing MENA region countries but also serve as a valuable case study for more developed countries. Morocco has exhibited noteworthy efforts in implementing extensive water strategies on a national scale and adapting such plans as necessary to address the rapid decline in water availability. For those nations that are more developed or have had moderate impact, the successes, failures, and prospects associated with Morocco’s steps are lessons, both in proactive (mitigate water scarcity present day) and reactive (implementing technology and policy in future years as stresses intensify) senses. Although such countries may have the resources to currently implement similar strategies, the takeaways gained from studying the costs of technologies, such as desalination, that Morocco has already realized are crucial in the future selection of technologies globally. In the same sense, Morocco’s potential for improvements in demand management, through educational and financial initiatives, can introduce crucial conversation in studying the most effective management strategies. Conclusion The severity of water scarcity in Morocco continues to increase as the country approaches absolute water scarcity. To prevent the onset of predicted economic adversities, Morocco has introduced several governmental initiatives facilitating expansion of water supply infrastructure. Within the guidelines outlined within these initiatives, a strong emphasis has been placed on implementing Morocco’s desalination technology capabilities, yet a review of existing literature yields a list of concerning drawbacks associated with such technologies. Despite offering a promising solution to the volume and consistency of growing water supply needs, desalination would harm surrounding environments, negating other green policies and increasing Morocco’s energy consumption. Ultimately, the emphasis on desalination in Morocco will inflict significant environmental and economic costs. To adequately address water scarcity concerns, Morocco must look to widen its scope. Technological alternatives, such as wastewater recycling, supplemented with demand management strategies, like eliminating subsidies or instituting educational programs, offer a multifaceted approach. Such a well-rounded approach builds a stable portfolio of solutions that prepares Morocco for a range of conditions, establishing infrastructural resilience against water scarcity. Reflecting on the existing initiatives and policies in place, Morocco holds great potential to implement more versatile strategies beyond the foundation of initiatives that already are set into motion. As Morocco takes those steps to establish water scarcity resilience, the lessons learned from Morocco’s missteps and successes will serve as a valuable reference for the MENA region and the world, moving forward. References Berdai, H., Karrou, M., Chati, M. T., Boutfirass, M., & Bekkaoui, A. (2011). Irrigation water management in Morocco: A review. In Improving water and land productivities in rainfed systems, community-based optimization of the management of scarce water resources in agriculture in CWANA (pp. 9–36). International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas.
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