Mauritanie

Alert on the crisis situation for livestock farmers and agro-pastoralists exacerbated by COVID-19

This note describes and underscores the critical situation of agro-pastoralists depending on biomass production zones from northern Senegal to southern Mauritania, and how their vulnerability can be exacerbated by the restrictive measures implemented to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Its objective, relying on quantitative description, is to encourage policymakers, technical and financial partners, as well as response actors to mobilize quickly and to incorporate pastoral issues into COVID-19 specific response plans through short, medium, and long-term recommendations.

Full advocacy note available (ENG) ici.

Biomasse

Analysis Report on Sahel Biomass 2019

Highlights:

Overall, biomass production in the Sahel for the 2019 season shows a significant deterioration compared to the 2018 biomass levels. Senegal, Mauritania, and the pastoral areas in northern Niger and Chad require significant attention. These areas could experience an early and prolonged dry season. In addition to biomass deficits, some of these regions are also affected by surface water deficits, as seen in the southwest of Tagant (Mauritania).

Pastoral areas in Senegal and Mauritania are still recovering from successive droughts that have occurred over the past six years in these regions. Therefore, the impacts of biomass deficits will be magnified as decimated herds struggle to find pastures and water.

Elsewhere, there are moderate biomass deficits in the pastoral areas of northern Niger (Zinder and Diffa) to the East, as well as in some parts of Tahoua and Tillabéry to the West. A similar situation is observed in Chad. Most of these deficit areas are in proximity to surplus areas. If herd mobility is not hindered, herders should be able to find pastures. However, in conflict or banditry-prone areas, which are intensifying in the Sahel region (Burkina Faso, Niger – Tillabéry, Tahoua, Diffa – and Mali – Gao, Mopti), this may be less evident.

Given these trends and the significant biomass deficit, pastoral situations need regular monitoring. An early response to the dry season in Senegal and Mauritania should be undertaken promptly.

Recommendations:

  • Refer to the ACF Early Warning Guide on Biomass at: tinyurl.com/early-warning.
  • Conduct rapid assessments in deficit areas to determine community needs.
  • Government and humanitarian actors: Adjust intervention plans and emergency measures to accommodate a potential early pastoral dry season in Mauritania and Senegal. Consider incorporating the following interventions:
  • Strengthening public livestock services and pastoral organizations.
  • Distribution of animal feed.
  • Livestock restocking/de-stocking.
  • Veterinary support and livestock vaccination.
  • Cash transfers.

Download report here

Biomasse

Analysis Report on Sahel Biomass 2018

Recommandations:

  • Refer to ACF’s Early Warning Guide on Available Biomass at: tinyurl.com/early-warning
  • Conduct Rapid Assessments in Deficit Areas to Determine Community Needs.
  • Government and Humanitarian Actors: Adjust intervention plans and emergency measures to account for the current lean season at the beginning of the pastoral season in Mauritania and Senegal, potentially including the following interventions:
  • Strengthening public livestock services and pastoral organizations.
  • Distribution of animal feed.
  • Restocking/de-stocking.
  • Veterinary support and livestock vaccination.
  • Cash transfers.

Download the report here

Biomasse

Bulletin on Biomass Production and Surface Water in the Sahel, Mid-Season of the 2018 Rainy Season

  • The 2018 rainy season benefits from generally favorable rainfall across the Sahel, and biomass production follows this overall positive trend.
  • Regions in the central and northern parts of Senegal have experienced a break in precipitation since the end of July, resulting in a deficit in biomass production that impacts the development of pastures and crops. Senegal is in a negative biomass production situation for the 5th consecutive year.
  • The western regions of Mauritania, especially Brakna and Trarza, are experiencing deficits for the second consecutive year. Regions in the central and western parts of Mali (Mopti, Kayes) have a moderate biomass production deficit, which could be compensated by moderately favorable precipitation forecasts for the end of the rainy season.
  • The western regions of Niger (Tahoua) faced a delayed onset of the rainy season, leading to low biomass production early in the season. However, the situation has been improving since the beginning of August, indicating a good vegetation regeneration to reach a normal level.
  • The Eastern region of Burkina Faso records a slight deficit in biomass production, but it has been trending towards a normal production level since mid-July.

Download bulletin here

Joint Statement: Pastoral lean season 2018

The rainy season of 2017 in the Sahel was unfavorable for vegetation and water. There are currently critical deficits in biomass and water production in Senegal and Mauritania, and these deficits are significant in Mali, Niger, and Chad. Additionally, extreme deficits in surface water pose a threat to pastoral communities. One immediate consequence of these deficits will be an early dry season (usually lasting from May to August), which will be particularly challenging for the poorest populations and the most vulnerable households in the Sahel.

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