Ahmed Khattry, a candidate for president of the Mauritanian National Agriculture Federation (FNA), has presented a five-year plan (2027-2031) aimed at supporting Mauritanian farmers. With over thirty years of experience in Islamic finance, microfinance, and investment promotion, Khattry aims to provide farmers with the necessary tools to produce, sell, and live off their work. His plan focuses on addressing the difficulties faced by farmers, including unpredictable prices, delayed credit, and limited storage.
Khattry's vision is built around three main problems: low yields due to poor seeds, insufficient mechanization, and lack of soil knowledge; a production concentrated on a few sectors; and disorganized marketing. He believes that financing is a prerequisite for solving these issues. To address this, Khattry proposes establishing a dedicated bank for farmers, which will provide them with the necessary financing and support. This bank, named ZIRA'I ISLAMIC BANK (ZIB), will be a commercial bank fully compliant with Sharia law.
ZIB will have an initial capital of 2 billion MRU, with 70% owned by farmers, 20% by Mauritanian banks, and 10% by the state through the Caisse des Dépôts et de Développement. The bank's goal is to provide financing to farmers before the start of the agricultural season, rather than after. Khattry aims to have 90% of campaign credit disbursed before the sowing season by 2031. The bank will also provide mobile applications and motorcycle agents to reach farmers in remote areas.
Khattry also proposes establishing an agricultural insurance company, Takaful Zira'i, which will provide coverage for farmers against various risks, including drought and crop failure. The insurance company will be fully digital and Sharia-compliant, with farmers making donations to a collective fund rather than paying premiums to an insurer. The goal is to have 30,000 insured farmers by 2031.
In addition to the bank and insurance company, Khattry has outlined a ten-year strategy for the rice sector, aiming to achieve 100% self-sufficiency in rice production by 2036. The strategy includes improving yields, increasing the use of certified seeds, and promoting double cropping. Khattry believes that the key to success lies in providing farmers with a fair price for their products and a secure land tenure.
Khattry's plan has several key components, including the creation of a bank and insurance company dedicated to supporting farmers. He also aims to increase the use of technology, including mobile applications and motorcycle agents, to reach farmers in remote areas. The plan also focuses on improving yields and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Khattry's candidacy for president of the FNA is driven by his desire to support Mauritanian farmers and improve the country's agricultural sector. With his extensive experience in finance and investment promotion, he believes that he can make a positive impact on the lives of farmers and contribute to the country's economic development.
Key points
- Establishing a dedicated bank for farmers, ZIRA'I ISLAMIC BANK (ZIB), to provide financing and support to the agricultural sector.
