20 Years of Air Quality Policy in Morocco

Urban air pollution in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is a growing global health concern. Despite this, research into issues surrounding air quality management in LMICs is lacking. Especially in Africa, it can be difficult to find even basic information on air quality legislation and monitoring networks, inhibiting further discussions into urban air quality governance. This study aims to shed light onto the status of air quality management in Morocco as part of a doctoral thesis. A particular focus was placed on Casablanca, the country’s most populous city. Data were collected through literature review and qualitative interviews with 35 experts in Rabat and Casablanca, Morocco. Results show that Morocco has made notable progress in developing an air quality surveillance network through their National Air Quality Plan, but staffing and budgeting issues have hampered progress. Translating national policies to local contexts is also a concern. Finally, experts are divided when discussing transparency in sharing air quality data with the population. Further research is needed to better link the wider social and political context, as well as the public and global health spheres, to air quality governance in the country.