Moroccan avocado growers fear repeat of heatwave devastation as extreme weather threatens Gharb region
These climatic shocks, combined with disappointing market prices from the previous year, have left many growers in a precarious financial position.
MOROCCO – Avocado producers in Morocco’s Gharb region are facing significant uncertainty as extreme weather threatens their current agricultural output, following a devastating June heatwave that caused severe fruit drop.
According to Abdelkrim Allaoui of the Association of Avocado Growers in the Gharb, this season’s difficulties began with a June heatwave. “At the end of June, we were hit by two simultaneous events: the natural period of flower drop, which had a more severe impact than in a normal year, and an exceptionally long heatwave, with five consecutive days above 36 degrees Celsius.”
While growers have so far been spared the additional pressure of the Chergui (a hot, dry wind) this year, the outlook for the coming weeks raises concerns. “We haven’t had the Chergui yet this year. However, we are expecting a second heatwave by the end of August, and we wouldn’t be surprised if the Chergui winds come at the same time,” Allaoui says.
Furthermore, the primary climate threats to Moroccan avocado production include extreme heatwaves, drought, and the Chergui winds, which can further stress trees already weakened by high temperatures.
These climatic shocks, combined with disappointing market prices from the previous year, have left many growers in a precarious financial position. “Everyone still remembers last season, when extreme weather wiped out about half of the expected harvest,” Allaoui recalls.
Allaoui stresses that any reliable estimate of this season’s production will have to wait. “It’s too early to give a clear picture of what our final volumes will look like. We need to wait until September before we can properly estimate harvests and losses. Despite all the efforts growers put in, in terms of irrigation, orchard management and crop protection, we remain completely dependent on the climate.”
Repeated climatic shocks are now pushing some producers towards a difficult decision. “In localities like Tiflet, Allal Bahraoui and Sidi Yahya El Gharb, many producers are seriously considering pulling out avocado trees altogether because of the climate factor. In some cases, losses were total last June.”
Moreover, with compounding climatic pressures, the grower’s representative says the market offered little relief last year, when it was needed most.
Finally, growers hope for improved weather conditions and market stability, but many are weighing whether continued investment is viable given the compounding risks of climate change, production costs, and market volatility.
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