Agricultural Mechanization in Morocco: Historical, Present Situation and Future Prospects

In Morocco, different forms of agricultural mechanization coexist, based on human energy, animal traction, moderately motorized and in rare cases we also find an intensive motorization based on the latest technologies (automation, precision farming ...). The agricultural tractor has been part of the rural landscape for more than four decades. The dynamism induced by the Green Morocco Plan, through the government incentives, is causing a transformation in the field of mechanization through new mechanized operations (particularly harvesting, crop protection, irrigation, indoor farm and product valorization). However, several deficiencies remain in the quality of use of tractors and agricultural equipment and their maintenance. The new agricultural advisory mechanisms recently put in place are responsible for meeting these challenges. Training and research systems exist and have a sound foundation and solid experience forged through collaboration with several foreign centers of excellence. But, it currently lacks resources, coordination, attractiveness for young people and the lack of an institutionalized relationship with professionals of machinery sector. The agricultural equipment import and distribution sector is very strong and well structured. On the other hand, the local manufacturing sector is still modest and suffers from fiscal, financial and competition constraints of the informal sector. For maintenance, apart from the professionals who have structured networks in the cities, it is the craftsmen and repairmen who take over in the villages. Given the current situation of agriculture and the institutional and economic environment, the prospects for the development of mechanization are promising.