Agricultural Taxation and Fiscal Sustainability in Emerging Economies: Evidence from a Recursive Dynamic CGE Model for Morocco
Keywords:
Agricultural taxation, Computable general equilibrium, Fiscal sustainability, Climate vulnerability, MoroccoAbstract
This paper investigates the economic, distributive, and fiscal implications of extending taxation to Morocco’s still-exempt agricultural segment within the post-2014 agricultural tax reform framework. Covering the period 2025–2035, the study employs a recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model calibrated on a Social Accounting Matrix constructed from High Commission for Planning (HCP) 2024 data. The model incorporates agricultural dualism, fiscal recycling through the Agricultural Development Fund (FDA), capital accumulation, and climate-related productivity shocks. The results show that abrupt agricultural taxation reduces GDP, agricultural value added, productive investment, and rural welfare. Conversely, progressive and differentiated taxation limits these adverse effects while preserving macroeconomic stability. The findings indicate that the remaining exempt agricultural segment offers limited short-term revenue potential, making fiscal equity and tax-base broadening the main objectives of reform. The study concludes that sustainable agricultural taxation requires gradual implementation, effective FDA recycling, and climate-resilient agricultural investment.
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