Deep Dive: Morocco Wastes 113 Kg of Food Per Person Annually, CESE Calls for National Action Plan

Morocco, as a North African nation with a predominantly agrarian economy, faces significant food waste challenges exacerbated by its reliance on agriculture for employment and exports. The CESE (Economic, Social and Environmental Council, Morocco's advisory body on socioeconomic issues) report highlights a sharp rise from 91 kg per person in 2021 to 113 kg in 2022, drawing from UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme, a global agency focused on environmental protection) data. This waste spans the food chain, from production losses in vital sectors like fruits, vegetables, and cereals—key to Morocco's economy given its Mediterranean climate and position as a major exporter of produce to Europe—to household consumption. Culturally, Morocco's traditions of generous hospitality and large family meals contribute to over-preparation, while infrastructural gaps in storage and transport amplify post-harvest losses in rural areas. Geopolitically, this issue intersects with Morocco's strategic interests in food security amid regional tensions, including water scarcity disputes with neighbors and dependence on imports for staples despite agricultural strengths. The call for a national action plan by CESE positions the government as a key actor, potentially involving partnerships with international bodies like UNEP. Cross-border implications extend to Europe, Morocco's primary trade partner via proximity and agreements like the EU-Morocco Association Agreement, where reduced waste could stabilize supply chains for tomatoes, citrus, and olives. Sub-Saharan African migrants and trade routes through Morocco also feel indirect effects, as waste diverts resources from humanitarian needs. For global audiences, this underscores broader MENA (Middle East and North Africa) patterns where rapid urbanization, climate variability, and inequality drive waste—113 kg per capita rivals developed nations despite Morocco's developing status. Stakeholders include farmers facing production losses, urban consumers, and policymakers balancing economic growth with sustainability. Implications involve potential GDP losses from wasted resources, strained water use in drought-prone regions, and missed opportunities for biogas or compost initiatives. Outlook suggests that implementing CESE's levers could model regional action, enhancing Morocco's diplomatic leverage in climate forums while addressing domestic poverty through redistributed food.