Final report - phase I : Guidimaka integrated rural development project, Selibaby, Mauritania

Despite the problems that led to EI becoming contractor in 11/80 and excessive A.I.D. and Government of Mauritania (GIRM) personnel changes, progress has been very good. Three catchment basins and firebreaks were built and more are expected when the project bulldozer is repaired. Adaptive trials of sorghum (including Striga-resistant varieties) and cowpea have led to increased yields; good local varieties made corn and millet trials unnecessary. EI distributed seeds of improved varieties to local farmers each year (although not contractually required) and demonstrated soil management practices, including rotation with legumes, manuring and composting, plowing, and furrowing perpendicular to the slope. Animal traction was introduced to the region, with 25 pairs of bulls obtained for farmer use and 20-30 horses trained to plow. Vegetable gardens are underway in 18 villages, but fruit production is infeasible. Introduction of improved cultivation techniques has been quite successful, and pilot on-farm trials of new cereal varieties/cultivation techniques have dramatically increased yields and will be the pillar of future project activities. A range management test area was established 8 km north of Selibaby to demonstrate the basics of ruminant nutrition to Mauritanian technicians, the regional administration, and visiting herders; the need for water led to establishment of a pasture reserve. The Leucaena tree has proven to be the only economically viable crop for pasture improvement. Veterinary activities have included providing equipment to the GIRM"s Animal Health Service, selling veterinary drugs to herders, and training 8 village volunteers. Many women were involved in project agricultural activities and the small construction and forestry programs (50,000 trees planted) have been successful. On-the-job, short-term, and specialized training has been provided to counterpart and local staff. Recommendations for Phase II - to be funded by USAID/M from P.L. 480 grain sales - are included.