Shortages of Basic Necessities in Morocco: A Growing Concern
In a recent report published by Afrobarometer on November 2, 2023, it was highlighted that despite Morocco witnessing some improvement in material well-being over the last decade, a significant portion of the population continues to face challenges in accessing basic necessities. The survey indicated that 22% of Moroccan respondents experience moderate to high levels of 'lived poverty', meaning they regularly go without essential items. This figure reflects a decline from 28% reported during the 2014/2015 survey, showcasing a six-point decrease amidst a backdrop of rising hardship in many other African nations.
The report, which spans data from 30 countries, reveals an alarming average rise in lived poverty, increasing by 13 points to 60% across the surveyed nations. In contrast, Morocco's position improved, ranking as the third-lowest level of hardship among the 38 countries featured in the latest survey, following Seychelles (7%) and Mauritius (12%). Additionally, when compared to its North African counterparts, Morocco recorded less hardship than Tunisia (29%) and Mauritania (73%).
The Afrobarometer index assesses the frequency with which individuals and their families lack access to food, clean drinking water, medical care, cooking fuel, or cash income over the past year. The findings revealed that 12% of Moroccans reported frequently going without cash income, while 7% indicated they often lacked medical care. The survey also noted lower rates of deprivation in terms of essential supplies, with only 3% facing shortages in drinking water, 2% in cooking fuel, and 1% in food — the lowest figures observed among the countries surveyed, especially when contrasted with Tunisia's 5% and Mauritania's staggering 26%.
The interviews conducted in Morocco took place in February and March 2024, as part of Afrobarometer’s ongoing survey, reflecting experiences of deprivation rather than income-based poverty measurements. This data provides critical insights into the ongoing challenges faced by many Moroccans in securing basic necessities, despite the overall positive trend in the country’s material well-being.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
