12/03/2025

FAO in collaboration with the Mauritanian Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, organized a workshop on 11-12 February 2025, to support agricultural mechanization in Nouakchott, Mauritania. Funded independently by FAO, the project “Support the establishment of an enabling environment for agricultural mechanization in Mauritania” aims to enhance national capacities, promote sustainable technologies, facilitate access to mechanization services, and develop a national strategy.

Acting Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty,  Mohamed Ould Ahmed Banane, emphasized the workshop’s role in equipping participants with modern agricultural skills. He highlighted President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s commitment to sustainable agricultural mechanization, particularly in rain-fed agriculture, as a key driver of productivity and resource efficiency. Mechanization also reduces labor intensity, addressing youth disengagement and workforce shortages.

Under Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Ajay’s leadership, the government is working to overcome barriers and achieve food sovereignty, including reducing customs duties on agricultural equipment. FAO Representative Alexandre Huynh noted Mauritania’s limited arable land (0.5 percent) and low cereal yields due to traditional farming. The 2024 floods further impacted rice production, increasing reliance on imports. Sustainable agricultural mechanization is crucial for boosting productivity, easing labor hardships, creating jobs, and strengthening food security in alignment with the 2030 national agricultural strategy.

Despite government efforts in acquiring tractors and launching training programs, challenges persist, including high equipment costs, inadequate after-sales services, limited training, and scarce spare parts. FAO continues to provide technical support to advance agriculture in Mauritania in face of these challenges.

The Plant Production and Protection (NSP) division at FAO Headquarters, represented by Mohamed Jadlaoui (Agricultural Engineer) and Karim Houmy (International Mechanization Expert), and Mohamed Elhady Sidatt (Agricultural Officer at the FAO Regional Office for Near East and North Africa), played a vital role in providing technical expertise, strategic guidance, and capacity-building support.

The workshop was attended by several officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty and other departments and civil society.

Photo credits: FAO Mauritania & Karim Houmy/FAO