Strategic Initiative for Wheat Development in Mauritania
The Arab Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program has recently launched an inspiring initiative in Mauritania, aimed at strengthening national capabilities for wheat seed multiplication. This strategic move is part of a broader effort to enhance agricultural productivity and fortify the wheat value chain in the region.
Collaboration with Key Organizations
This initiative is executed in close partnership with the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC). The collaboration emphasizes a shared commitment to advancing food security and promoting sustainable development across Arab and African member countries.
A Memorandum of Understanding formalizing this initiative was signed in November 2023. The project is anticipated to bring significant improvements to Mauritania’s agricultural landscape, working alongside the country’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty.
Objectives of the Project
The primary goal of this initiative is to establish a comprehensive national wheat seed multiplication program. By focusing on enhancing local production of certified wheat varieties recommended by ACSAD, the project seeks to promote the adoption of improved hard and soft wheat strains. A critical aspect is to reduce Mauritania’s heavy reliance on imported seeds, ultimately leading to greater self-sufficiency.
Adoption of Improved Agricultural Practices
This initiative is designed to produce high-efficiency, disease-free seeds locally, which aims to mitigate agricultural risks. The focus on developing high-yield, climate-resilient wheat varieties that are well-suited to local conditions is particularly noteworthy. The establishment of a national wheat breeding program will set the groundwork for ongoing improvements in wheat cultivation.
Apart from seed production, the project prioritizes enhancing agricultural practices along the wheat value chain. This includes improving harvest and post-harvest management strategies to minimize losses and increase overall productivity.
Pilot Activities and Early Results
During the 2023–2024 agricultural season, ACSAD supplied improved wheat varieties planted on a 20-hectare site in the Arkez region. The pilot project was successful, yielding over 16 tons of both soft and hard wheat. These results will feed into the next season’s seed multiplication efforts and provide valuable insights for expanding cultivation.
The project’s steering committee, which includes representatives from ACSAD, ITFC, and the Ministry, convened for the first time in September 2024, followed by a second meeting in May 2025. These meetings are crucial for reviewing progress, discussing challenges, and determining the next phases of implementation.
Future Plans for Expansion
Looking ahead, the initiative plans to expand cultivation to additional regions within Mauritania. The launch of a national wheat-breeding program is on the horizon, aimed at developing new high-yield varieties that can tolerate abiotic stresses, such as drought and high temperatures. This is particularly vital in the context of climate change impacts on agriculture.
Capacity building at the national level will also be a focal point, ensuring that local farmers and stakeholders are well-equipped to adopt advanced agricultural practices and technologies.
Commitment to Food Security and Sustainable Development
This project exemplifies the AATB Program’s mission to address food security proactively while enhancing regional integration. By fostering collaborative efforts across borders, the initiative serves as a replicable model for other countries facing similar agricultural challenges.
Overall, the project not only aims to tackle immediate agricultural needs but also lays a solid foundation for long-term economic resilience and self-reliance among member countries in the Arab and African regions.
About the Arab-Africa Trade Bridges Program
The AATB Program is a comprehensive initiative supported by various organizations, including the African Export-Import Bank, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Islamic Development Bank, and several others. Its mission involves promoting trade and investment flows while enhancing capacity-building efforts in key sectors, such as agriculture, textiles, and health. By focusing on these areas, the program seeks to empower member countries, bolster trade relations, and promote overall economic growth.