Transforming Arid Lands into Agricultural Frontiers
In one of the most arid regions of North Africa, Morocco is embarking on an ambitious project aimed at transforming the landscape of Dajla by desalinating water from the Atlantic Ocean to irrigate over 5,200 hectares of land. This initiative is not merely a concept but a tangible effort led by the Moroccan Agricultural Development Agency, which recently announced the allocation of 35 agricultural projects spanning 1,090.19 hectares. This vast area is located in Bir Anzarane and is part of a larger scheme that has been in development for several years. This innovative approach seeks to address the critical challenge of water scarcity in agriculture by sourcing water directly from the ocean, desalting it, and subsequently distributing it to agricultural operations. Notably, the project is powered by renewable energy derived from a nearby wind farm, highlighting Morocco's commitment to sustainable practices.
A Comprehensive Solution to Water Scarcity
The project is strategically situated in Bir Anzarane, within the Dajla-Oued Ed Dahab region, and aims to cultivate an estimated 5,196.56 hectares, which translates to nearly 52 million square meters of fertile land. The initiative's objective is to convert a significant portion of this arid territory into productive agricultural areas capable of large-scale food production. To achieve this, the desalination plant associated with the project is expected to have a daily capacity of approximately 100,000 cubic meters of water. With an annual production goal of around 37 million cubic meters, the majority—about 30 million cubic meters—will be allocated for irrigation, while the remaining seven million will provide potable water for Dajla and the future Atlantic port in the region.
The energy-intensive nature of desalination has led to the integration of renewable energy sources, specifically a 40 MW wind farm, to help meet the electricity demands of the desalination process. This multifaceted approach not only addresses immediate agricultural needs but also sets a precedent for sustainable water management in arid regions. The primary crops targeted for cultivation in these newly irrigated lands include staple vegetables such as round tomatoes and onions, with approximately 70% of the area designated for these crops. Additionally, a variety of other agricultural products and organic farming practices are planned.
With Dajla already possessing a track record of agricultural production, including tomatoes, melons, and blueberries, the potential for expansion is significant. However, reliance on groundwater has its limitations, as highlighted by the regional agricultural director's caution in 2024 regarding sustainable practices. This necessitated the exploration of alternative water sources to facilitate further agricultural development. The Atlantic Ocean, located just a few kilometers away, presents a viable solution, allowing Morocco to realize ambitious production goals, with expectations of exceeding 400,000 tons of agricultural output annually, aimed at both domestic markets and exports.
The project's initiation dates back to 2022 when the first major tender was announced for various agricultural projects covering a total of 5,196.56 hectares. Since then, the trajectory of agricultural transformation in the region has continued to progress, with subsequent calls for proposals in 2024 and the latest in June 2026, aimed at expanding agricultural operations through public-private collaborations. This ongoing endeavor underscores Morocco's determination to enhance Dajla's agricultural landscape without over-reliance on groundwater resources, thereby establishing a sustainable model that utilizes Atlantic water, desalination techniques, an irrigation network, and renewable energy sources. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a diverse range of crops, including tomatoes and onions, in a region previously hindered by water scarcity, marking a significant leap towards agricultural sustainability.
As reported by okdiario.com.
