Mauritania has one of the lowest annual gross domestic products in Africa. Despite the fact that Mauritania is rich in natural resources, the majority of the population make their living from agriculture and animal husbandry. The Sahara desert covers 70% of the country. Agriculture is very vulnerable to climate change, and after several years of drought, scarce water resources and poor management, the country has been forced to take up large loans.
Mauritania’s main revenue sources are fish and iron ore. There are also oil fields along the coast, and in 2006 the country began to export oil, gold and copper. This contributed to an increase in the gross domestic product of 12% in just one year.
Our work
Norwegian Church Aid's work in Mauritania focuses on economic justice. We approach this topic through three different programs:
Resources and finance: Norwegian Church Aid advocates for the just distribution of government revenues and for this distribution to be ensured through national legislation.
We work to ensure that local and national authorities, as well as extractive industries, are reliable and accountable in their management of public funds. We do this in part by promoting budget monitoring and transparency in public spending.
In addition, we mobilise communities to demand rights for the marginalised to have their share of benefits from natural resources.
Livelihood and trade: Norwegian Church Aid works to stimulate professional education and practical knowledge in economic development and entrepreneurial activities. We also encourage a more varied production of goods.
Climate change adaptation: Together with LWF, we address degradation of land by building a more sustainable agricultural practice that makes communities more resilient and increases food security. We also promote rainwater harvesting and improved management of water resources. In addition, we advocate for equal rights to natural resources for women and men.
Coordination through the ACT Alliance
Both Norwegian Church Aid and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) are members of the ACT Alliance’s international network. None of the local organisations in Mauritania are part of this alliance. In emergency situations we work with the LWF.