Following the first significant early rains in June, which permitted early planting of coarse grains, dry weather prevailed in July. Limited, unevenly dispersed rainfall resumed in early August in the southern and south-eastern regions, allowing replantings but overall weather conditions remained abnormally dry. The south-western regions (North Gorgol, Brakna and Traza) and center region of Tagant have not had significant rainfall. As a result, by mid-August most “dieri” (rainfed) crop plantings had failed in most of the country. Dieri production represents about one-third of total cereal production in a normal year. On 1 September the Government declared a national disaster and appealed for 51 000 tonnes in emergency food aid in support of over 820 000 affected people.
Dry spells and the poor distribution of rainfall in 2001 growing season resulted in a serious decline in the cereal production. Final production estimates by national statistical services is estimated at some 122 177 tonnes, 32 percent lower than the previous year and 27 percent lower than average. Prices of cereals have risen considerably on most markets. In March 2002, WFP launched an Emergency Operation valued at US$ 7.5 million (16 230 tonnes of food) to assist 250 000 people most threatened by serious food shortages. By end September, due to a limited donor response, only 46 percent of WFP’s emergency food requirements have been covered. Other than WFP’s emergency assistance, bilateral contributions have been received from France (600 tonnes of wheat through the French Red Cross), and Italy (approximately 920 tonnes rice). An EU-financed food security stock consisting of 6 000 tonnes of wheat is scheduled to arrive in October. In addition, the Government of Mauritania distributed 10 000 tonnes of wheat from its own resources.