Agrosilvopastoralism in action: restoring Mauritania’s ecosystems for a sustainable future
FAO/Mauritania
06/05/2025
The challenge: land degradation and climate pressures in Mauritania
Mauritania, a country dominated by arid and semi-arid landscapes, faces building environmental challenges due to land degradation, desertification, and climate change. A significant portion of its population is dependent on agrosilvopastoralism, an integrated land-use system that combines agriculture, forestry and livestock. Therefore, this degradation of Mauritania’s land threatens both livelihoods and food security. Expanding desertification, unsustainable land practices and resource depletion have placed immense pressure on rural communities, reducing resilience and economic opportunities.
To combat these threats, in 2019, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) implemented the 5-year Integrated Ecosystem Management Project for Sustainable Human Development in Mauritania, a multi-faceted initiative aimed at restoring ecosystems, improving land use planning, and promoting sustainable energy alternatives. With strong government and community engagement, the project has already delivered significant results.
Laying the foundations: planning for sustainable land management
A critical first step in reversing land degradation was the establishment of a platform to monitor ecological and socio-economic indicators. This platform, developed in collaboration with Mauritania’s Ministry of Environment, now provides essential data for informed decision-making and serves as the backbone of sustainable land use planning.
Building on this, the project developed and validated three participatory, gender-sensitive land use plans across key landscapes. These plans were developed through inclusive dialogue with local communities and reflect a shared vision among different land users, balancing ecological priorities with the social and economic needs of the people who depend on the land.
Protecting biodiversity: establishing a biosphere reserve
One of the project’s landmark achievements has been the progress toward formally designating a new terrestrial protected area in the El Atf region as a Biosphere Reserve. In partnership with local communities and authorities, zones within the reserve have been identified and characterized. The final submission for UNESCO recognition is soon to be submitted by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, marking a significant milestone in Mauritania’s conservation efforts.
Before and after: Reforestation of one thousand hectares in Amricha in the Brakna region © FAO Mauritania
Restoring landscapes and enhancing ecosystem services
The project has made remarkable progress in ecosystem restoration, applying agrosilvopastoral techniques to rehabilitate degraded land. Over 2 700 hectares of land across 27 villages have been restored using zai techniques, an indigenous method of improving soil fertility and water retention. Additionally, 1 400 hectares of protected areas have been established and are actively maintained by local beneficiaries.
Efforts to combat desertification have included stabilizing 350 hectares of dunes in Brakna and constructing 618 kilometres of manual firebreaks to prevent wildfires. These interventions are not only restoring ecological balance but also creating local employment opportunities and reinforcing sustainable land-use practices.
Promoting alternative energy and reducing pressure on natural resources
To curb reliance on traditional biomass and charcoal, the project has introduced sustainable energy solutions to rural communities. Key achievements include the installation of 50 biodigesters and the distribution of 5 600 improved cookstoves, reducing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions while promoting cleaner household energy use.
Strengthening rural livelihoods and water access
The project has directly improved livelihoods through training and technical assistance programmes. Using the farmer field school approach, six training sessions were conducted for Community Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) trainers, resulting in fifteen master trainers who are now passing down knowledge to local agropastoralists.
To boost economic opportunities, the project supported the formation of producer groups, focusing on biodiversity-friendly value chains. A market study on Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) was conducted, leading to the identification of six promising value chains that enhance income diversification while conserving natural resources.
Water access has also been significantly improved. The project equipped 56 community wells with solar pumps and built water storage infrastructure at 19 sites, benefiting 169 224 people, 62 percent of whom are women. These interventions are ensuring a more sustainable water supply for household and agricultural use.
Climate impact: sustainable land management for carbon sequestration
By putting 275 654 hectares under sustainable management, the project has directly contributed to climate mitigation, sequestering an estimated 2 756 540 tonnes of CO2 since the project began in 2019. These efforts demonstrate how ecosystem restoration can deliver both environmental and socio-economic benefits, aligning with global climate action goals.
A model for resilient development
By integrating agrosilvopastoral approaches, empowering local communities, and leveraging data-driven land use planning, the Integrated Ecosystem Management Project for Sustainable Human Development in Mauritania is fostering long-term resilience against climate change and desertification.
With the project now in final stages of completion, its impact is clear: healthier ecosystems, strengthened communities and a sustainable pathway for future generations. Through this continued investment in integrated ecosystem management, Mauritania is taking big steps toward a more resilient and sustainable future.