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Article: Caught by surprise....again. (Morocco)
- Article from:
- The Middle East
- Article date:
- January 1, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1996 IC Publications Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Drought has hit Morocco with a vengeance. On average, the country's reservoirs are only 30% full with serious implications for agriculture. Only half of the land normally allocated for food crop production will be planted. Exports have been badly hit, food prices are high and Moroccan cities are witnessing another influx of rural refugees,placing more strain on urban infrastructures.
THE ROAD FROM CASABLANCA to Marrakesh, a journey of some three hours, passes through some of the most fertile land in Morocco. Five months from now the country here is usually at its most green. Fields of wheat and maize stretch to the horizon. Fat, well-fed cattle and goats are part ...