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Morocco is Making Important Strides in Food Security and Human Development

Caitlin Dearing Scott
September 20, 2017

Caitlin Dearing Scott, SVP, Research, Programs, and Policy, MAC

Caitlin Dearing Scott, SVP, Research, Programs, and Policy, MAC

According to a new report released by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2017,” Morocco has made important progress in confronting food insecurity among its population over the past decade, echoing broader trends in the country’s human development since the ascendance of King Mohammed VI.

From the 2004-2006 period to the 2014-2016 period, the prevalence of undernourishment in the total population decreased from 5.8% to 3.5%. Over the same period, the number of undernourished people decreased from 1.8 million to 1.2 million. Morocco also experienced improvements in the rate of stunting in children, with a decrease from 23.1% in 2005 to 14.9% in 2016.

This progress is largely the result of development initiatives designed to confront poverty and food insecurity, particularly in economically marginalized regions of the country. From the National Initiative for Human Development, launched in 2006 to reduce poverty in rural areas and increase access to social and health services, to Plan Maroc Vert, launched in 2008 to promote socio-economic development through advances in agricultural productivity and support to small-scale farmers, the country has invested substantial sums to improve the livelihoods of all Moroccans.

Though there is still much progress to be made, when coupled with its achievements of the Millennium Development Goals in reducing extreme poverty, providing potable water to all parts of the country, promoting maternal and child health, and achieving universal primary education,  these latest statistics offer positive signs for Morocco’s future.

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