Morocco has been selected for a U.S.-funded agricultural programme that combines development support with efforts to expand American exports, as the North African country grapples with prolonged drought and pressure on its farming sector.
The initiative, run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through its Foreign Agricultural Service, forms part of the “Food for Progress” programme for the 2026 fiscal year, with a total budget of US$226 million.
Morocco is among seven priority countries chosen for the scheme, alongside Bangladesh, Bolivia, Ecuador, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Unlike traditional aid models, the programme operates by selling U.S. agricultural commodities in partner countries and reinvesting the proceeds locally to support agricultural development.
Funds generated are used to strengthen farming systems, improve infrastructure and build more resilient agricultural value chains, while also creating demand for U.S. exports.
Each country programme is expected to run for five years, with funding allocations ranging between US$28 million and US$35 million.
In Morocco, authorities have yet to define the precise areas of intervention, but analysts say the programme is likely to focus on improving irrigation systems, promoting climate-resilient farming practices and enhancing access to markets.
The support comes at a critical time for Morocco’s agricultural sector, which has been strained by seven consecutive years of drought.
Reduced rainfall has affected crop yields, water availability and rural incomes, underscoring the need for investment in more efficient water management and adaptive farming techniques.
Experts say targeted funding could help boost productivity and strengthen supply chains, particularly in regions most vulnerable to climate variability.
For Washington, the initiative also serves a strategic trade objective.
Morocco is one of Africa’s largest food importers, ranking third on the continent after Egypt and Algeria, and represents a growing market for U.S. agricultural exports.
According to data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Morocco imported an average of $8.7 billion in food annually between 2021 and 2023.
By linking development assistance to export promotion, the programme reflects a broader U.S. approach aimed at deepening commercial ties with emerging markets while supporting food security.
Analysts note that such initiatives can create mutual benefits, helping recipient countries modernise their agricultural sectors while opening new opportunities for U.S. producers.
However, they caution that the success of the programme will depend on how effectively funds are deployed and whether projects address structural challenges such as water scarcity, infrastructure gaps and market access.
For Morocco, participation in the programme offers an opportunity to bolster a key sector of its economy at a time of mounting environmental and economic pressures.
As details of the country-specific programme are finalised, attention will focus on how the funding is channelled into projects capable of delivering lasting improvements in productivity, resilience and trade integration.
