Morocco has recorded more than 32.8 million heads of livestock in its latest national census, a tentative recovery for the sector after nearly seven years of drought has devastated rural communities and slashed herds by more than a third.
The survey, carried out from June to August, tallied 23.1 million sheep, 7.47 million goats, 2.09 million cattle, and just over 106,000 camels. While the population overall has grown since the worst years of the crisis, the Ministry of Agriculture noted that both cattle and camel populations remain down nearly 30% from historic averages.
The findings reflect the fragile state of Morocco’s livestock sector, long considered the backbone of rural livelihoods and a pillar of national food security.
In May, the government unveiled a MAD 6.2 billion (USD 670 million) recovery plan in May to replenish herds and protect breeders. The two-year package includes feed subsidies, debt relief, and incentives for farmers to retain female animals critical for rebuilding populations.
The government also allocated funds to veterinary campaigns, genetic improvements, and artificial insemination programs to strengthen herd resilience against climate change pressures.
Rising temperatures and increasingly erratic rainfall have contributed to repeated droughts that threaten both agriculture and national food sovereignty. Earlier this year, King Mohammed VI took the unprecedented step of urging citizens to abstain from the traditional ritual slaughter of a sheep during Eid al-Adha, a measure designed to protect dwindling herds and allow recovery.
The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that, beginning in October, it will lift temporary tax exemptions on sheep, goat, and powdered milk imports introduced during the height of the crisis, though cattle imports will remain exempt to support herd rebuilding.
With MAD 11 billion (USD 1.1 billion) in direct aid already committed to feed, veterinary care, and debt relief, Rabat hopes its interventions will stabilize the sector and prevent further rural exodus.
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