Recent climate data and reports indicate that the Maghreb countries are facing an increase in heat waves and a decline in precipitation, which raises concerns about the future of spring crops.
These climate changes are now directly affecting agricultural production, and are placing farmers in front of increasing challenges that may affect food security and price stability in local markets.
According to a recent study published by the journal Earth Systems and Environment, large areas of North Africa are likely to record a continuous rise in temperatures, with a decrease in precipitation rates that may reach 30% in some climate scenarios, which may exacerbate the pressure on water resources and agricultural activities.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) also indicates that the Middle East and North Africa region will become “hotter, drier, and more vulnerable to extreme climate events,” with expectations of a decline in agricultural production due to accelerating climate changes.
In a joint report, FAO and the World Meteorological Organization warned that heat waves have become a direct threat to global food systems, given their impact on agricultural crops, water resources, and labor in the agricultural sector.
In this context, expert and agricultural engineer Ibrahim Al-Anbi said, “What the Maghreb countries are witnessing today is no longer just fleeting seasonal fluctuations, but rather accelerating climate shifts that have clearly begun to affect the agricultural cycle and the yield of a number of crops.”
How do heat waves affect spring crops?
Ibrahim explained to Al Jazeera Net that “high temperatures during the spring lead to accelerating the evaporation of water from the soil, and reduces the ability of plants to grow naturally, especially during the stages of flowering and fruit formation, adding that some crops are losing an important part of their productivity due to heat stress.”
The spokesman pointed out that “rain-dependent crops are considered the most fragile, because the decline in precipitation often coincides with periods of high temperature, which weakens the soil’s ability to provide the necessary moisture for crops.”
The agricultural expert confirmed that the cultivation of grains that have reached the harvest stage in several regions, including Abda, Doukkala, Chiadma, and Rehamna, has become greatly threatened, especially with the increasing risk of fires.
He added that the high temperature and rapid drying of grasses and plant remains increase the possibility of fires igniting in the fields, calling on farmers to “exercise caution when using harvesting machines and not to operate them during peak heat times.”
The same speaker pointed out that a recent scientific study has warned that North Africa, including Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, is witnessing an unprecedented increase in the intensity and frequency of heat waves, as a result of changes in atmospheric pressure systems and the retention of hot air masses.
What are the most affected crops?
Ibrahim stressed that grains, cotton and seasonal vegetables are at the forefront of crops affected by heat waves, because they need climate balance and sufficient moisture during delicate stages of growth, explaining that excessive heat may sometimes lead to a decline in the quality of the product or a significant decrease in the yield.
He pointed out that some farmers automatically resort to increasing irrigation amounts during periods of high temperature, which is a technical error that may lead to suffocation and rotting of the roots and opens the way for the spread of fungal diseases.
He stressed that water management during heat waves must be based on rationalizing irrigation according to the quality of the soil, the nature of the crops, and the approved irrigation system, highlighting that the goal is not to increase water, but rather to provide the plant’s needs in a balanced manner.
Among the solutions recommended by Al-Anbi is relying on natural products and plant extracts that help strengthen plants’ resistance to heat stress, explaining that “substances extracted from marine algae or plants that are able to live in harsh conditions contribute to increasing the plant’s ability to withstand heat.”
For his part, agricultural engineer and international expert in plant protection, Saeed Amazuz, confirmed that “excessive heat accompanied by low humidity negatively affects spring crops, because it increases the severity of water and heat stress to which plants are exposed.”
Have these effects begun to be reflected in prices and production?
Saeed explained, “The continuation of heat waves directly affects the productivity of crops and the quality of production, which may lead to market turmoil and an increase in the prices of some agricultural products.”
The agricultural expert added that farmers are facing double challenges, between high production costs and declining productivity, in light of limited water resources.
He pointed out that “the small farmer remains the most affected, due to the weakness of the technical and financial capabilities that allow him to adapt to the harsh climatic conditions.”
What are possible solutions to adapt to these transformations?
Saeed explained to Al Jazeera Net that confronting these climatic conditions requires adopting precise technical measures, including gradually lifting watering before temperatures rise, while making sure to water during the evening or night periods to reduce the rate of evaporation.
He added that it is necessary to help plants adapt to harsh climatic conditions through the use of biostimulants, whether through spraying or through irrigation water, because of their role in strengthening the plant’s immunity and improving its ability to resist stress.
Regarding crops inside covered houses, Saeed called for using lime over plastic or using shaded nets to reduce direct sunlight, in addition to using sprays and misters inside covered houses to help reduce temperatures and improve humidity.
