
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty has officially launched the second phase of its agricultural mechanization project, aimed at boosting productivity, easing the workload on farmers, and advancing sustainable farming practices across the country.
During the ceremony, a four-party agreement was signed to distribute 72 agricultural tractors, along with related equipment and a large stock of spare parts, to regional councils.
The initiative is designed to strengthen farming capacity, particularly in rain-fed agricultural zones, while addressing the challenges of food security and rural development.
Under the agreement, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment will establish specialized workshops to maintain and service the tractors.
The ministry stated that this measure is intended to “enhance employment opportunities for young people and ensure their continued employment within the country,” creating a sustainable workforce to support the mechanization programme.
Minister of Agriculture Ammam Ould Bebat reaffirmed the government’s determination to modernize Mauritania’s agricultural sector.
He highlighted the importance of providing advanced farming tools and services, noting that such measures would “reduce the physical burden on farmers and raise agricultural output.”
Reflecting on the progress made so far, Mr. Bebat said the first phase of the project had “marked a significant shift in farmers’ behavior,” enabling the reclamation of more than 15,000 hectares of land. He added that the second phase is designed to be “more comprehensive,” incorporating field feedback and improved strategies to ensure sustainable results.
Fatima Mint Abdelmalek, President of the Nouakchott Region and head of the Regions Association, also underscored the project’s importance, describing it as a vital step toward enhancing rural development and strengthening the nation’s agricultural base.
She emphasized that the initiative not only modernizes farming techniques but also helps stabilize local economies by fostering job creation and food self-sufficiency.
The second phase is expected to build on the successes of the first, expanding mechanized farming practices nationwide while aligning with Mauritania’s long-term vision for sustainable agricultural growth.