Finaliste
In a small village nestled in the hills of Northern Morocco, marijuana and hashish cultivation is a crucial part of the local economy. According to the United Nations, Morocco is one of the world's largest producers of marijuana, with the majority of it grown in the mountainous regions of the north.
Families have been growing the plant for generations, relying on it as a means of survival in a region where job opportunities are scarce. In 2020, the Moroccan government estimated that over 800,000 people were involved in the cultivation of marijuana, making it one of the country's most important cash crops.
But beneath the surface of this seemingly idyllic scene lies a complex story of poverty, unemployment, and a lack of economic opportunities. In the Rif Mountains, where the village is located, the poverty rate is around 25%, well above the national average.
The cultivation of marijuana is not just a cultural tradition, but also a reflection of the deep social and economic inequalities that persist in Northern Morocco.
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