Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture has revealed that the national livestock census, conducted from June 26 to August 11 across various prefectures and provinces, recorded a total of 32,832,573 livestock.
Sheep are the largest segment of the herd, with 23.1 million, including 16.3 million females. Goats total 7.4 million, with over 5.2 million females. Cattle reached 2,094,109, including 1,555,842 females, while camels numbered 106,044, of which 91,432 were females.
The ministry noted that the census aimed to create an updated and accurate database to support the regeneration of the national herd, improve productivity and sustainability in the sector, and strengthen Morocco’s food sovereignty.
Despite the overall increase, the figures show a significant decline in cattle and camels, with their numbers dropping nearly 30% compared to the usual averages of 3 to 3.2 million cattle and 150,000 camels.
The ministry attributed this decrease to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the suspension of irrigation in certain agricultural areas, and consecutive years of drought.
In response, authorities have decided to waive customs duties and value-added tax on sheep, goats, and dried milk imports until the end of September 2025. Duties on cattle imports will also remain suspended to aid in rebuilding the national herd.
The government has allocated nearly MAD 11 billion ($1.1 billion) to support livestock breeders, with funds to be used for purchasing fodder, preserving breeding females, easing debts, and financing vaccination and technical support campaigns.
Financial assistance will be determined based on the animals identified during the census, with local committees marking them with numbered rings.
Ongoing drought continues to be a major challenge for breeders, particularly for cattle. This year, the situation reached a crisis point when King Mohammed VI made the unprecedented decision to cancel Eid Al Adha celebrations, a rare measure in the country’s history.