A 27 percent devaluation of the ouguiya between November 1996 and November 1997 may reduce commercial imports of rice and wheat, which are mostly consumed in urban centers. For farmers relying on dieri or bas-fonds production or a combination of the two, inadequate rainfall and pest damage reduced production in all Wilayas except Hodh El Gharbi. For farmers in the Senegal River Valley who produce dieri, bas-fonds, walo, and irrigated crops, only irrigated crops produced well. Dieri and bas-fonds production suffered from inadequate rainfall, and walo yields suffered because fields were not flooded long enough to ensure adequate residual moisture. For pastoralists, late-season rains in September and October improved pasture and water conditions in most of Mauritania.
Herds are in good condition and livestock productivity is high.
These populations are considered moderately to highly food insecure. Comments and suggestions regarding the Vulnerability Analysis should be addressed to the FEWS Director at the address below.