While access to drinking water has become widespread in Morocco, with over 97% of rural and urban areas having access to clean water as of 2019, the country still grapples with a pressing water scarcity. Each person has only 650 cubic meters of water available per year, below the threshold of 1,000 cubic meters that defines water stress. This number is expected to drop to 500 cubic meters per person annually by 2030, signalling a potential water shortage that demands immediate attention. The country’s water supply pressures are multifaceted, driven by climate change, rapid urbanisation, population growth, and the growing needs of industry and agriculture. Morocco’s agricultural sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy, with vegetable plantations significantly contributing. However, farmers need help accessing water resources, with agriculture consuming 70-80% of the available water. That’s where Dr Salma Bougarrani steps in.
Dr Salma Bougarrani, the co-founder and CEO of Green WATECH, is at the forefront of water conservation efforts. Her company specialises in innovative wastewater treatment and reuse solutions, particularly in rural areas with limited sanitation services. With her expertise in advanced water treatment processes and extensive experience in the water and sanitation field, Dr Bougarrani is leading the way in implementing sustainable sanitation practices in Morocco.
The journey so far
Green WATECH’s technology has treated over 200 million litres of water and reused it in agricultural irrigation, producing over 11,000 tons of food. Since its launch in 2018, the company has provided safe sanitation services to over 15,000 people in 17 villages and farms across Morocco. Dr Salma Bougarrani’s work has significantly improved the lives of thousands of people by providing access to clean water and sanitation.
Her innovative approaches to water conservation have earned her a spot in Africa Business Heroes’ Top 20 semi-finalist list for 2024. Her use of precision irrigation systems and drought-resistant crops has led to substantial water savings and increased crop yields. Her work with local farmers to implement water-saving techniques has demonstrated the effectiveness of her approaches in real-world settings.
Green WATECH meets SDG requirements
The economic and environmental benefits of Dr. Salma Bougarrani’s approaches are numerous. By reducing water costs and increasing crop yields, farmers can improve their livelihoods while minimising ecological impact. Moreover, her work aligns with Morocco’s national water strategy, which aims to provide the country with critical hydraulic infrastructure.
Dr. Bougarrani has demonstrated that effective water management is crucial for sustainable development through her work. By prioritising supply and demand strategies, Morocco can safeguard its water resources and ensure they remain a source of life and prosperity for future generations.
Dr Salma Bougarrani’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without challenges, but her determination and commitment to sustainability have enabled her to overcome obstacles and make a significant impact. Her success is a testament to the power of innovation, entrepreneurship, and commitment to sustainable development. As Morocco faces water scarcity challenges, her work serves as a model for sustainable water management.
