RicherFin · Sovereign Projects

Resilient and Sustainable Water in Agriculture — Morocco

Morocco · Tadla · Souss-Massa · Chtouka · Water and agriculture

Overview

The Resilient and Sustainable Water in Agriculture project, also known in Morocco as the Irrigation Resilience and Sustainability Project, aims to strengthen agricultural-water governance, improve irrigation-service quality and expand farmers' access to advisory services and modern irrigation technologies. It responds to structural water stress and increasing constraints on water resources allocated to agriculture.

The project finances modernisation of irrigation infrastructure in Tadla and Souss-Massa, rehabilitation of canals and hydraulic structures, upgrades to pressurised networks and pumping stations, and more sustainable management of groundwater abstraction, notably in the Chtouka aquifer.

Implementation remains active. The 2025 mid-term review reported significant delays and low disbursement, but several structuring contracts have since progressed. In 2026, delegated management of abstraction monitoring in Chtouka and modernisation of the Zidania Canal were awarded. A second loan-amendment letter was published in September 2026 to adapt project descriptions, loan allocations and certain performance-based conditions.

Key project information

Official name
Resilient and Sustainable Water in Agriculture
Name used in Morocco
Irrigation Resilience and Sustainability Project
Status
Active
Current phase
Implementation
Country
Morocco
Documented intervention areas
Tadla · Souss-Massa · Chtouka · other irrigated areas covered by agricultural-advisory activities
Sector
Water and agriculture
Sub-sector
Irrigation and drainage
Project structure
Sovereign investment-project financing
RicherFin project ID
01a25c96-f2e6-44a4-8cd5-577e91ff16d6
World Bank project ID
P175747
Total project cost
US$182.25 million
World Bank financing
US$180 million
Instrument
IBRD Loan 9364-MA
Approval
25 Mar 2022
Effective date
14 Sep 2022
Expected closing
30 Jun 2028

Financing

The project is based on sovereign financing from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to the Kingdom of Morocco. World Bank financing is US$180 million against a current total project cost of US$182.25 million.

The mid-term review reported that at 30 June 2025 approximately 14% of the loan had been disbursed and 42% of funds were committed. The balance was expected to be committed during 2026 subject to progress on the principal procurements.

Total project cost
US$182.25 million
World Bank financing
US$180 million
Financing type
Investment Project Financing
Instrument
Sovereign IBRD Loan 9364-MA
Loan financial close
Agreement signed 09 Jun 2022