In Morocco, behind the alarming statistics on pesticide use lies a rarely acknowledged reality: that of agricultural female workers and small-scale farmers trapped in a system that sacrifices their health and dignity in the name of profit. In the Gharb region, a hub for the export-oriented production of red fruits, their testimonies reveal a daily struggle marked by grueling working conditions, exposure to chemicals without adequate protection, and the resulting tragic consequences. Exposing these realities aims to spark collective awareness and advocate for a fairer agricultural model—one that upholds human dignity and preserves the environment.
Pesticides: Invisible danger
In Moulay Bousselham, an agricultural region in Morocco renowned for its production of strawberries, raspberries, and other red fruits—and more recently for avocado farming—workers like Khadija reveal harsh realities: direct exposure to pesticides, lack of protective equipment, and limited awareness of the associated health risks. Crouching in the fields, they inhale toxic chemicals sprayed without any precautionary measures.
Intensive agriculture, a driving force of the local economy, relies heavily on pesticides and chemical inputs—a market valued at 2 billion dirhams (equivalent to 201,000 USD), dominated by insecticides and fungicides. According to CropLife Maroc, a confederation of certified phytosanitary companies in Morocco, approximately 70 percent of the pesticide market is dedicated to agricultural use. Of the pesticides applied, 45 precent are insecticides, 40 precent fungicides, and 15 precent herbicides. Regarding crop types, nearly 44% are used in market gardens, 26 precent in plantations, and 21 precent in cereals.
To oversee this sector, Law 34.18, adopted in 2021, mandates the certification of products by The National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA), which monitors chemical residues to ensure food safety. However, on the ground, conditions remain alarming, exposing the limitations of this regulation.
Despite current regulations, the unchecked and excessive use of pesticides continues to be a significant issue in Morocco. Export market pressures, particularly from Europe, lead to risky practices, often resulting in products being rejected for non-compliance. In 2024, reports revealed the presence of banned substances like chlorpyrifos in peppers and hepatitis A in Moroccan strawberries. In 2023, 168 tons of non-compliant watermelons were destroyed, underscoring the scale of the problem.
According to Dr. Bouazza Kherrati, president of the Moroccan Federation for Consumer Rights, these pesticides are responsible for serious diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. Between 2008 and 2016, Morocco recorded over 11,000 cases of acute induced pesticide poisoning. Agricultural workers, often untrained and without protection, are the most exposed, suffering from cumulative toxic effects that are overlooked by the sector.
The environment is equally affected: soil contamination, the collapse of biodiversity, and pollution of water resources. A study from 2023 lists over 600 threatened species and estimates that 24 percent of Morocco's flora could disappear—a heavy toll paid by intensive agriculture and its harmful practices.
Lives Ruined by Pesticides
Khadija, 55-year-old, from Douar Guenafda, has spent her entire life working in the fields around Moulay Bousselham to make a living and support her family. Moving from one harvest to the next -strawberries, mint, basil, etc. - she endured harsh working conditions in all kinds of weather, often without protection against pesticides. In 2018, she collapsed at work, suffering from respiratory issues caused by inhaling smoke and chemicals. The diagnosis: severe asthma and allergies, leaving her unable to work. However, her attempts to assert her rights were ignored. The 10,000 dirhams compensation offered by her employer was deemed insufficient, and Khadija faced the impunity of large agricultural employers.
Now deeply affected by the consequences of her work, she refuses to let her daughters suffer the same fate. Yet, her youngest daughter, only 16 years old, already bears the marks of indirect pesticide exposure, suffering from recurring asthma attacks since birth.
The Hidden dual Burden: Women in Agriculture Facing Exploitation and Toxic Exposure
In Arbaoua, Yousra, 29, a mother of a 9-year-old child, represents the fate of many women in the region. After a divorce, she had to abandon her studies and work as an agricultural laborer to support her family. Every day, she wakes up at 4 a.m. to work on strawberry and raspberry farms intended for export. The days are long, the conditions harsh, and the pay meager (83 dirhams/day; equivalent to 8.3 USD/day). Women, selected for their docility, are exposed to pesticides without protection, suffering health problems with no information about the risks.
Malika, 35, has also been exposed to pesticides and chemicals without protection. Despite the health risks, she continues working to feed her family.
Small-scale farmers like Mustapha and Abdelkader are also poorly informed and use pesticides excessively, often without protection, despite warnings from suppliers. Inspections do occur, but they do not change much, as protective measures are only used when inspectors are expected.
Finally, pesticide waste management is a serious concern: some farmers continue to repurpose empty pesticide containers for packaging food. They store them improperly, bury them in the ground, burn them in open air, dispose them with household waste, abandon them in the fields, or discard them in nature, all of which contribute to soil pollution and environmental contamination.
Pesticides in Morocco: A Scourge Ignored, Mobilizing the Public
Morocco's first consumer rights association has been active in fighting the overuse of pesticides since its founding in 1999 in Kenitra. A public awareness campaign was launched on television, highlighting the excessive use of these chemicals, particularly against the whitefly affecting tomatoes.
Agricultural workers and consumers were the primary victims. However, the association faced strong resistance from agricultural input producers.
In 2012, the National Federation for Consumer Rights was established, further increasing pressure on the authorities. Despite attempts at regulation, the agrochemical lobbies have hindered any meaningful progress, prioritizing economic interests over public health and environmental protection.
An awareness shift occurred in 2018, following the contamination of Moroccan mint by insecticides and rodenticides, leading to its ban due to health risks. That year, Moroccan exports were rejected by the European Union, sparking a public awareness campaign and stricter regulatory measures for export products. However, cases of non-compliance persist, damaging the country's reputation.
The Moroccan Local Market: A Blind Spot in Pesticide Control
While there has been some progress, the Moroccan pesticide market remains hindered by lax regulations and poor oversight. Pesticides banned in other nations are still in circulation, and smuggling and counterfeiting account respectively for 20 percent and 10 percent of the estimated 2 billion dirhams (almost 201 thousand USD) market, as reported by CropLife Morocco. Agricultural areas such as Loukkous, Gharb, Chaouia, Doukkala, Oriental, and Souss are the most affected by these illegal practices, posing significant risks to the economy, public health, and the environment.
Despite its responsibility for ensuring food safety, ONSSA faces difficulties in carrying out its duties due to limited human resources, centralized analysis in Casablanca, and a lack of regulation in weekly markets where pesticides are sold unchecked. A legal paradox worsens the situation: Law 13.83 excludes fresh produce from fraud enforcement, allowing 50 to 60% of citizens to purchase uncontrolled goods.
To address this issue, the National Federation for Consumer Rights is urging immediate reforms. It advocates for the use of environmentally friendly pesticides, improved training for farmers on adhering to harvest intervals, and heightened consumer awareness of best practices to minimize exposure to pesticide residues.
When Agroecology Challenges Pesticides in Morocco
In response to the challenges posed by conventional agriculture and its overreliance on pesticides, agroecology is emerging as a promising and sustainable alternative. Since 2001, organizations like Terre et Humanisme (Land and Humanity) Morocco have been guiding both male and female farmers toward environmentally friendly practices, enhancing local ecosystems, and strengthening their autonomy. In 2013, the Agroecological Initiatives Network in Morocco (RIAM) became a key player in this transition, notably through the establishment of the Participatory Guarantee System (SPG), certified under the "Agroecology Morocco" label. This platform brings together more than 100 members, including farmers, cooperatives, associations, and consumers, with the aim of promoting an agricultural model that aligns with both nature and the economy.
RIAM aims to facilitate collaboration among agroecology stakeholders by encouraging the exchange of experiences and knowledge. It is also dedicated to supporting local initiatives by providing them with visibility, recognition, and access to the resources needed for their development. In addition, it strives to raise awareness among the public and decision-makers about the importance of agroecology, emphasizing its benefits for health, the environment, and the local economy.
Contrary to popular belief, agroecology is economically viable. Rachida Mehdioui, president of RIAM, stresses that this approach is not only profitable but also sustainable. She explains that while per-crop yields may be slightly lower, the diversity of crops leads to a more abundant overall harvest, while also preserving soil fertility—an essential resource for future generations. Additionally, the savings on chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides more than compensate for the increased labor required. Agroecological products, which tend to have more stable prices, are becoming increasingly competitive, especially in the face of inflation affecting conventional products.
The success of agroecology also depends on the development of suitable marketing channels. To this end, the RIAM has established eco-solidarity farmers' markets in several Moroccan cities, including Rabat, Mohammedia, Casablanca, and Marrakech. These markets provide new opportunities for producers while ensuring consumers have access to healthy, high-quality products. According to Rachida Mehdioui, consumers, who are increasingly concerned about their health and the environment, play a crucial role in encouraging farmers to adopt ecological practices.
Moroccan agriculture stands at a pivotal moment. For years, it has prioritized intensification and productivity, but it is now encountering its limits. The impact on both the environment and the health of small farmers and agricultural workers, particularly in the Gharb region where fields of red fruits and avocado trees stretch endlessly, is severe. Illness and suffering have become part of the daily reality for those who face constant exposure to harmful chemicals.
Amidst this urgent crisis, agroecology offers a viable path forward. By prioritizing ecosystem health and valuing local knowledge, it offers a way to produce healthy food while safeguarding biodiversity, soil fertility, and the well-being of farmers and agricultural workers. Initiatives like the RIAM show that this transition is not only possible but already underway. However, for this sustainable agricultural model to flourish, it will require genuine awareness and strong backing from policymakers and decision-makers. The future of our agriculture—and our society as a whole—depends on it.