🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Moroccan camel industry faces pressure from drought despite resilience
via Le Matin3 min read
The camel industry in Morocco, historically central to desert regions, is experiencing significant pressure due to successive droughts. Dromedaries, known for their robustness and adaptability to extreme desert conditions, have long been a symbol of survival and a primary source of income for two-thirds of the population in the Moroccan Sahara's three regions, providing milk, meat, and animals for sale. This pastoral farming model, which relies heavily on natural resources, has demonstrated resilience due to the dromedary's ability to thrive in poor pastures and endure prolonged water deficits, making it a more robust alternative than other species in arid areas, according to a 2024 report by the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute IAV and the International Cooperation Center in Agronomic Research for Development CIRAD. However, this resilience is now being tested. A national census in August 2025 reported approximately 106,000 camels, a significant decrease from the usual average of around 150,000 observed between the mid-2010s and early 2020s. This decline is directly linked to successive droughts. The industry's dependence on natural resources directly impacts reproduction, productivity, and profitability. Zootechnical performance remains limited, with a calving rate of about 35%, an abortion rate of 14%, and an overall mortality rate of around 2.5%, as per the IAV Hassan II and CIRAD study. Economically, profitability is variable and often fragile, influenced by
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Must ReadThe Confederation of African Football CAF has reiterated its support for the "Pamoja" project, a joint bid by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON. The project aims to symbolize East African unity through football. While Tanzania is progressing well with infrastructure modernization, Kenya and Uganda are experiencing delays. During a meeting in Kampala, CAF sought to reinvigorate the initiative, emphasizing the need for concrete guarantees beyond budgetary promises. CAF stated that the meeting's purpose was to assess preparation progress and enhance synergy among the three nations, promoting solidarity for effective co-organization. CAF highlighted the Pamoja project as a symbol of unity and cooperation, aiming for it to be an organizational benchmark on the continent. This ministerial meeting also served to address rumors of the 2027 AFCON being relocated due to the accumulated delays. Interim General Secretary Samson Adamou praised the progress made and reaffirmed CAF's full commitment to supporting the host countries to ensure timely infrastructure readiness. Discussions focused on sensitive issues such as government guarantees and project financing. CAF also stressed the implementation of regular inspection visits to monitor progress. The three countries expressed their determination, promising to accelerate construction and fully mobilize resources to meet their commitments.
Mohammed Raïta, Director General, and Rachid Khattate, President of Maroc Lait, provided an exclusive interview to "Le Matin" during the International Agricultural Show of Meknes. They offered an honest assessment of the dairy sector, focusing on its future. Their discussion covered collective resilience, the structural transformation of livestock farming, digitalization, a resurgence in consumption, and the long-term ambition to export surplus dairy products. They detailed the strategies for this recovery, emphasizing that it will not be improvised.
The Atlas Lions are showing increased strength as the 2026 World Cup approaches, with key players delivering influential performances. In Germany, Bilal El Khannouss made a significant impact for Stuttgart in the German Cup semi-final against Freiburg. Coming on as a substitute when his team was trailing, he provided a crucial assist to Deniz Undav, helping Stuttgart win 2-1 after extra time and advance to the final against Bayern Munich. His technical skills and ability to accelerate transitions were instrumental. In Spain, Ilias Akhomach continued his progress with Rayo Vallecano, delivering a decisive assist to Sergio Camello in the 87th minute against Espanyol, securing a 1-0 victory. This contribution is vital for the Madrid club in the final stages of the season. In the Netherlands, Couhaïb Driouech of PSV Eindhoven had a notable performance against PEC Zwolle, scoring a goal and providing an assist in a 6-1 win. His effectiveness and precision contributed to his team's offensive display. Meanwhile, Ismael Saïbari was absent from PSV's victory due to physical discomfort. His coach, Peter Bosz, stated that Saïbari's participation in the World Cup is not in jeopardy, as it is not a serious injury.
The president of the Spanish Football Federation RFEF has urged Spanish authorities to act swiftly in the strategic battle over hosting the 2030 World Cup final, citing the strength of Morocco's bid. Speaking at a forum on modern football, the RFEF head emphasized the need for immediate mobilization and better coordination among Spanish institutional actors. He highlighted Morocco as an example, praising its clear governance and rapid execution, noting that in Morocco, one person is in charge, unlike the slower Spanish system. This centralization, under Fouzi Lekjaâ, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, is seen as a key asset for Morocco. The Moroccan project, driven by a clear vision and structured organization, is gaining international credibility. Casablanca is presenting strong arguments, including the future Grand Stade Hassan II, projected to be the world's largest stadium with a capacity of 115,000 seats, as it competes with Madrid and Barcelona. While FIFA will make the final decision, Morocco has emerged as a central player, capable of shifting the balance of power.