The Economic and Agricultural Significance of Phoenix dactylifera: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development in Morocco’s Date Palm Sector

Abstract

The present study discusses the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) in Morocco concerning its economic and agricultural importance, genetic diversity, and ecological adaptability; its importance within the economies of oases is underlined. The paper focuses on the eighteen main varieties, which highlight that the date palm economic sector in Morocco has a high risk because of various causes, such as water shortage, climate change, and market fragmentation. Through morphological, cultural, and economic analyses, the major growth constraints affecting the sector were identified. It further assesses the effectiveness of government initiatives to enhance productivity and sustainability. It reveals that improved water management, market access, and varietal recognition will raise the status of Morocco in the date global market. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations on how to balance traditional agriculture with modernization to make it sustainable in the long term. The present study discusses the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) in Morocco concerning its economic and agricultural importance, genetic diversity, and ecological adaptability; its importance within the economies of oases is underlined. The paper focuses on the eighteen main varieties, which highlight that the date palm economic sector in Morocco has a high risk because of various causes, such as water shortage, climate change, and market fragmentation. Through morphological, cultural, and economic analyses, the major growth constraints affecting the sector were identified. It further assesses the effectiveness of government initiatives to enhance productivity and sustainability. It reveals that improved water management, market access, and varietal recognition will raise the status of Morocco in the date global market. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations on how to balance traditional agriculture with modernization to make it sustainable in the long term.