Localized deficits in agropastoral and pastoral zones keep poor populations in Stress (IPC Phase 2)

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Ongoing harvests in the rainfed zone and the southern agropastoral zone are currently the main sources of food for households, assuring minimal acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 1). These households also gain income from the agricultural labor opportunities during harvesting, which boosts their purchasing power. Humanitarian interventions by the State and its partners during the lean season have helped stabilize the food situation of poor households, particularly those in the outlying districts of Nouakchott, although there are probably still some households in a situation of Stress (IPC Phase 2). Poor households in the north of the agropastoral zone and in the southeast of the pastoral zone, where rainfall deficits have affected production and pastures, are also expected to be in Stress (IPC Phase 2).
Forecasted national cereal production (rainfed and irrigated crops) for the 2023/2024 crop year is 563,252 tonnes. This represents a 4 percent increase over last year, and a 35 percent increase over the five-year average. By contrast, forecasted production of coarse grains (millet, sorghum, maize and wheat), at 54,658 tonnes, is down by -35 and -7 percent, respectively, compared to last year and the five-year average. This poor performance in dry cereal production is attributable to the poor rainfall recorded this season in several localities, which had a negative impact on Djeri crop yields. However, irrigated rice production, estimated at 457,528 tonnes, increased by 16 and 45 percent, respectively, compared to last year and the five-year average.
The poor spatial and temporal distribution and very high temperatures observed in several localities in the north and south-east of the country were not conducive to the development of grazing in certain areas. Particularly in the willayas of Inchiri, Adrar and Tiris Zemour, as well as in Walata and Nbeika Lahwache in the wilaya of Hodh El Chargui, grazing is considered mediocre, and breeders are resorting to use of cattle feed for their livestock. In addition, bush fires, of which more than 80 had been declared by September 30, 2023, are exacerbating the forage deficit. This situation has led to early internal transhumance, particularly towards the Hodh El Gharbi border strip (Ghelique Ehel Beye, Koubeni, Twill, Aine Verba, Voulania, Laaweinatt, Hassi Chegar) and southern Guidimakha, where there is good forage availability.
Market supplies of staple foods are steady, and local food prices have begun to fall with the arrival of the harvest. On the other hand, prices of imported foodstuffs remain high. In November 2023, in the markets monitored by WFP, imported wheat prices rose by 9 percent in Mbagne (Brakna) to 37 percent in Ouadane (Adrar), compared with the five-year average. As for the price of imported broken rice, increases compared with the five-year average ranged from 11 percent in Barkéol (Assaba) to 23 percent in Ouadane. In livestock markets, prices are also high, due to the good body conditions of animals during the grazing season. In markets monitored by WFP, average sheep prices have risen by 4 percent in Tintane (Hodh El Gharbi) to 34 percent in Ndiago (Trarza), compared with the five-year average.
As of October 31, 2023, UNHCR and the Mauritanian government have counted a total of 104,324 Malian refugees in Mauritania, mainly in the M'béra camp. The influx of Malian refugees continues, with 211 new arrivals in the first week of September 2023. According to the post-distribution survey (PDM) carried out by the WFP in July 2023, almost 54 percent of refugee households lack jobs, compared with 7 percent who are engaged in day labor or petty trade, and the remainder in livestock rearing, domestic work, or handicrafts. Those with few or no sources of income are heavily dependent on WFP assistance, funding for which has been secured until next year.

Recommended citation: FEWS NET. Mauritania Key Message Update November 2023: Localized deficits in agropastoral and pastoral zones keep poor populations in Stress (IPC Phase 2), 2023.

This Key Message Update provides a high-level analysis of current acute food insecurity conditions and any changes to FEWS NET's latest projection of acute food insecurity outcomes in the specified geography. Learn more here.