Morocco’s livestock sector accounts for around 35 percent of the country’s agricultural GDP, reflecting its central role in food production, rural livelihoods and national food security, the agriculture ministry said on Monday.
Agriculture Minister Ahmed Bouari made the announcement during a high-level conference held on the sidelines of the International Agriculture Fair in Morocco (SIAM), underscoring the sector’s importance in the kingdom’s broader agricultural economy.
He said livestock production supports nearly 1.2 million breeders across the country and remains a key pillar of rural employment and income generation.
According to official figures presented at the event, Morocco has an estimated 33 million head of livestock, including sheep, goats, cattle and camels. These herds underpin annual production of about 530,000 tonnes of red meat and nearly 2 billion litres of milk.
The poultry sector also plays a significant role in domestic supply, producing around 784,000 tonnes of white meat and approximately 6.5 billion eggs each year, fully meeting national demand, the minister said.
Bouari said livestock production chains have received sustained policy attention under Morocco’s agricultural development strategy, contributing to gains in productivity and improved national self-sufficiency in key animal products.
“The livestock production chains have received significant attention, enabling major achievements in production development, improved productivity and meeting national needs,” he said.
The sector has, however, faced mounting pressure from prolonged drought conditions linked to climate change. Morocco has endured several consecutive years of water stress, prompting authorities to adopt emergency measures to protect livestock and preserve breeding capacity.
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Among those measures was the suspension of traditional Eid al-Adha sacrifices last year, ordered by King Mohammed VI, in an effort to safeguard herd regeneration and reduce pressure on livestock numbers.
Authorities have also introduced restrictions on the slaughter of female sheep and goats to support reproduction and stabilise herd growth.
Officials said recent rainfall in 2026 has provided some relief to drought conditions, helping to stabilise parts of the agricultural sector after years of water scarcity.
The ministry also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve livestock genetics, particularly in the red meat segment, where beef accounts for about 80% of national consumption.
Bouari further pointed to plans to develop the camel breeding industry, particularly in southern regions, where it plays an important economic and social role. The sector is estimated to generate about 225 million dirhams ($22 million) in annual added value and around 2.7 million working days.
Officials said strengthening resilience in livestock production remains a priority as Morocco seeks to balance food security needs with increasing climate-related risks affecting agriculture across the region.
