Water and development: the importance of social perceptions in Morocco

Abstract

Morocco faces declining water availability per capita, which threatens its agriculture, food, and energy security, as well as social stability and the sustainability of its development model. This article critically examines water management in rural and urban settings, addressing both socio-economic impacts and community responses. It emphasises the importance of engaging with local perceptions and practices of water use, highlighting the adaptive knowledge continuously generated by communities. Such insights can complement institutional strategies for water production and distribution. In the Anthropocene, locally led and context-sensitive approaches are essential for designing sustainable development solutions that effectively respond to Morocco’s diverse and evolving territorial realities.