Dryland agriculture

The study reported here, which collected and analyzed a broad spectrum of data on dry farming in Mauritania in order to identify existing problems and evaluate development possibilities, concludes that although most dryland production is now used for subsistence, dry farming could contribute on a medium-term basis to notably reduce Mauritania"s present cereal deficits. Following an introductory section which defines the object of the study and presents its methodology, the following subjects are covered in turn: climate, soil, water resources, and human resources in Mauritania"s dryland agriculture areas; production systems and production zones; crops, including cereals, legumes, vegetables, and condiments; crop yields; production methods, resources, and problems; the effects of land tenure on production; past and present agricultural development projects; the production and destination of produce; existing training and research efforts; and environmental considerations. A 44-item bibliography (1950-80) is included.