With substantial mineral wealth and an established position as a centre for trade and commerce, Morocco has enjoyed steady economic growth that has reduced undernourishment to very low levels. Between 1980 and 1996 daily food intake increased from 2 723 to 3 186 calories, reaching levels comparable with some industrialized countries. The gains came almost equally from increases in food production and in trade. Production of cereals and potatoes more than doubled, spurred by substantial increases in both crop yields and the area under cultivation. Much of the increased production was used for feed, while imports grew to meet rising demand for food. With the economy growing at almost four percent per year, Morocco has become increasingly urban. Improvements in transportation, sanitation and education have been particularly marked in the cities. However, almost half the population remains in rural areas, where poverty and vulnerability persist, particularly among traditional small-scale farmers and herders. Barely half the population has access to safe water and 56 percent remain illiterate. Environmental problems also loom. Water for agriculture and grazing lands is scarce and 61 percent of the land is severely degraded. To eradicate remaining pockets of hunger, action will need to be taken to introduce more sustainable agricultural practices and to generate jobs and income in urban areas.
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