Mauritania Organization of the Agriculture sector 　

Agricultural policy has been at the center of the adjustment programs undertaken since 1985.

1. State disengagement from the productive activities
2. Structural reforms in the agricultural sector
3. Investments in the irrigated (rice, diversification)

The Sector Place in the economy:

1. The rural sector’s contribution to RIP is around 20% on the average for the last 5 years with 80% for livestock with an upward trend;
2. Employing about 50% of the population; The sector’s contribution to the supply of cereals in the country is stable with a trend around 30%;
3. The growth in agriculture compared to other sectors has averaged 13.9% during the last decade (1991 - 2001).

Organization of the sector:

1. Liberalization of prices and trade;
2. incentive policy for the private sector;
3. initiated Land reform
4. Financing of rural policy (UNCACEM);
5. Research extension and training;
6. Agricultural statistics and monitoring and evaluation;
7. socio-professional organizations;
8. Redefining the role of public sector

Potential &Opportunities

1. Undeniable agro-pastoral potential with over 500 000 ha of arable land including 135 000 hectares of irrigable lands but less than 20 000 ha are highlighted annually.
2. The proximity to regional and European markets (EU, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa)
3. Important investments has been realized in growing rice.
4. The Presence of dynamic private entrepreneurs with a substantial investment capacity.
   • Rain: 220,000 ha
   • Decrease: 139,100 ha
   • Oasis: 5500 ha
   • Irrigated: 137,400 ha

Proprietary Strategic axes

Improving the institutional and regulatory framework:

1. Promoting the opening of the sector on the market
2. Staffing the disengagement of the State of the production
3. Strengthening social organizations and the private sector
4. Establishing an incentive tax system to the development of investment in agricultural activities
5. Ensure a balanced distribution of resources
6. Enhancing production and productivity
7. Ensuring food security and nutrition
8. Integrating the activities in the agro market
9. Improving rural infrastructure and investments

Food Strategy

1. It fits into the overall framework of the fight against poverty and promotes growth carrying a net increase of wealth and productivity
2. It promotes the development and promotion of private sector as an engine supported by an institutional and governmental associations
3. Ensure the accelerated development by the private sector, on an economically sound channels carrying generating added value.
4. In the case of plant channels, it will focus on a diversification effort and dissemination of technical achievements with a view to reducing constraints, and support the development of channels through private operators on a competitive basis