FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/01 - MAURITANIA (6 November)
Above-normal precipitation were received in September, but rains ceased in October. The area planted to rainfed ("dieri") and lowland ("bas-fonds") crops is estimated to be lower than in 2000 as many farmers chose not to plant rainfed highland crops or abandoned fields following short dry spells during the months of July and August. The Senegal River did not reach flood stage until early September, which is late in the season. A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission which visited the country in mid-October estimated the aggregate output of cereals in 2001/02 at 161 800 tonnes. This is 9 percent below 2000/01 level and 4 percent above average. This decrease is due to lower irrigated and walo/recession crop production and to lower yields for rainfed crops. By contrast, production in low-lying areas is expected to increase by 23 percent from the 2000 level as all operational dams are over 70 percent full.
The food supply situation will remain tight in several areas, notably in the Senegal river valley and in the Aftout. Already 79 communes in Gorgol, Brakna, Tagant, Adrar, Trarza and Hodh El Chargui have been identified as at risk of food shortages.