"Our food systems have been put to the test with the covid-19 crisis, particularly as a result of disruptions in local, regional and global supply chains," Akhannouch said during a webinar organized under the theme "Food security: What agricultural policy for Africa tomorrow?" in preparation for the 2021 edition of the Africa Agri Forum (AAF) scheduled for April 5 and 6 in Yaounde, Cameroon.

"We are now in a context of global population growth whose highest rate would be displayed in Africa," the minister said, adding that the context of intensification of climate change affects all countries and causes major damage to production and the environment, said Akhannouch.

In Morocco, he went on, the crisis of covid-19, combined with two consecutive years of drought, was a great test of resilience that the agricultural sector has faced for years, recalling that the Kingdom has been able to ensure the continuation of agricultural and agri-food activities allowing workers to have access the fields and units, supply all regions of the country with good quality products and a diversified offer and ensure its commitments in terms of food exports.

Akhannouch noted that food security can not be understood in an ad hoc manner and can only be the result of deep and structural change in the agricultural sector. "In accordance with the High Orientations of His Majesty King Mohammed VI the Moroccan agricultural sector has been given in 2008, through the Green Morocco Plan (PMV), a clear and integrated vision allowing the implementation of structural reforms and the mobilization of important means”.