Mauritania accesses UN funds to prevent drought consequences
Mauritania has been preparing for major droughts throughout the country by activating its national preparedness action framework. According to The Arab Weekly and agencies on June 9th, the activation of this action framework has unlocked the immediate release of 2.5 million dollars from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).
A climate forecast indicating high probabilities of drought during the agricultural season motivated the attribution of funds.
120 000 people in the districts of Ould Yenge, Selibabi and Wompou in the southern region of Guidimakha are expected to benefit from the programme. These areas are particularly reliant on heavy rainfall during the season. Rich in rain-fed agriculture and livestock breeding, their dependence on rain is worrying in times of drought.
Mauritania has already adopted a national anticipatory action plan against drought linked to the Food Security Commission, while a specialised government team was established to assess climate risks and effects in Mauritania.
Funds will be allocated through forms of cash assistance for vulnerable households, livestock support through vaccinations and food, while also rehabilitating communal water points and distributing drought-resistant seeds.
The National Meteorological Office has recently been strengthened due to support from the World Food Programme and international partners. The accuracy of seasonal forecasting has been significantly improved, and predictions have helped coordinate early interventions.
Trends of anticipatory climate measures in the Sahel are increasingly important. Chad activated similar drought-response mechanisms earlier this year. International organisations such as the UN have been promoting preventive measures programs as more efficient alternatives to responding to climate disasters.
Mauritania is amongst the countries most affected by droughts in West Africa. About 3 quarters of its territory lies in the Sahara Desert, with a large portion of the rural population depending on seasonal rainfall for agriculture.
According to World Food Programme data, recurring droughts and floods have become some of the leading drivers of food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly in rural areas depending almost entirely on the climate for their livelihoods.
The Arab Weekly, Maghrebi.org
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