• $674.4 million program launched to revive drought-hit sheep industry
• Measures include subsidies, debt relief, and vaccination campaigns
• Livestock population fell 38% since 2016; imports surged in 2024

The Moroccan government has launched a program to rebuild its national sheep stock, severely impacted by drought in recent years. The initiative, announced on May 22 by Agriculture Minister Ahmed Bouari, will be implemented between 2025 and 2026 with a total budget of 6.2 billion dirhams ($674.4 million).

According to local media outlet Médias 24, the plan focuses on five key areas: debt relief for 50,000 farmers, subsidies for animal feed and female sheep preservation, funding for a national vaccination campaign, and the provision of technical support.

The program aims to stabilize a livestock sector weakened by climate conditions that have reduced pasture availability and raised feed costs. The Ministry of Agriculture reported in its latest 2025 census that Morocco’s cattle and sheep population has declined by 38% since 2016.

In February 2025, the government banned the traditional sheep sacrifice during the Tabaski festival to preserve breeding stock. Additionally, Morocco increased live animal imports to meet domestic demand.

Data from Trade Map indicates that Morocco’s spending on sheep and goat imports more than doubled between 2023 and 2024, rising from $62.7 million to nearly $149.3 million.

If drought conditions persist, authorities may be forced to extend emergency import measures. The effectiveness of the recovery plan will depend in part on farmers’ ability to remain operational and adapt to evolving climate conditions.