Dear Friends, This has reference to the subject Appeal issued on 25 April 1997 to address the effects of the severe drought of 1996. Unfortunately, due to failure of the rains again this year, the situation has greatly worsened and is expected to deteriorate even further as details of widespread crop losses come to light. Background information to the current crisis Greatly encouraged by the rainfall starting in mid - June, farmers in Southern Mauritania began planting operations. However, subsequent failure of the rains in July and August has since caused widespread withering of the crops.
Pastures are in very poor condition.
Staple food prices are on the rise. While food aid distributions have begun, the food situation is still difficult in several districts of the Brakna, Gorgol, Assaba, Hodh El Gharbi and Tagant regions. Reports conclude that additional emergency food will most certainly be needed next year. Comparison of rainfall conditions with the same period last year indicates big rainfall deficits in all agro-pastoral areas with the exception of some areas in the Hodh El Gharbi and Assaba regions. Reports indicate that even if it rains abundantly for the remaining two months of the rainy season, crops planted in low areas will most likely be inundated while in any case, the loss is expected to be great for rain fed crops.