On October 6, 2026, the Secretary General of Mauritania's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Ahmed Salem Ould Arab, oversaw the opening of a workshop to launch the national action plan. The plan aims to activate the country's irrigation strategy in the Sahel region. The workshop, which took place in Nouakchott, brought together representatives from government sectors, the private sector, professional organizations, regional and international institutions, and financial and technical partners.
The two-day workshop, held on October 6-7, 2026, seeks to initiate the preparation of the national action plan and identify national priorities in irrigation development. It also aims to enhance coordination among stakeholders and explore ways to mobilize funding and encourage private sector participation in irrigated agriculture. The Secretary General emphasized the importance of the irrigation sector in national policies to ensure food security and sovereignty.
Mauritania has significant agricultural and water resources, which must be sustainably exploited to increase agricultural production, improve producer incomes, and create jobs. The development of the national action plan represents an opportunity to translate strategic orientations into practical programs and interventions. This involves identifying priorities, mobilizing resources, and strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors.
The workshop examined the irrigation strategy in the Sahel, national priorities, and the role of partners in development and the private sector. Participants also discussed the methodology for preparing the national plan, its financing mechanisms, monitoring, and evaluation. The goal is to adopt a roadmap that outlines the next steps.
The workshop was attended by representatives from government sectors, national institutions, the World Bank, the Committee to Combat the Effects of Drought in the Sahel (CILLS), and several technical and financial partners, professional organizations, and private sector actors. The participants are working together to ensure the plan's success and sustainability.
The irrigation strategy in the Sahel is crucial for Mauritania's agricultural development and food security. The national action plan will help to improve the performance of irrigation infrastructure and ensure the efficient use of resources. The plan's implementation will be monitored and evaluated to ensure its effectiveness.
The launch of the national action plan marks a significant step towards achieving Mauritania's food security and sovereignty goals. The plan will contribute to the country's economic development and improve the livelihoods of its citizens. The government is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the plan's success.
Key points
- The national action plan aims to activate Mauritania's irrigation strategy in the Sahel region and improve agricultural production.
