DWS Country Programs
Mauritania
Sowing sorghum in one of the integrated development projects of the LWF Mauritania's PERV project in the Trarza region. |
The Islamic Republic of Mauritania is a desert country of 2.5 million people in West Africa. Human development is poor with about half of the population living below the poverty line. An opportunity for human rights development is emerging as a collaborative national project.
The DWS Mauritania program emphasizes the cross-cutting issues of human rights promotion, gender equality and HIV/AIDS. The focus on poverty reduction, environmental protection and social development are constructed from this base.
Promoting Human Rights
LWF/DWS has become the primary international NGO involved with the Mauritanian government in developing human rights policies, in collaboration with UNDP (UN Development Program) and UNHCHR (UN High Commission for Human Rights). Issues addressed include female genital mutilation, children's and women's rights, schooling and the rights of the disabled.
Community Development and Food Security
Adult literacy class in a rural project. Part of a LWF community development and food security project. |
Community development is strengthened by the practical reality that all DWS development projects now have Mauritanian NGO partners, particularly in the areas of institutional development, training and project implementation. In the area of food security, the fight against rural poverty promotes agriculture and economic activities in rural villages, including revolving credit schemes and village-based multifunctional banks to encourage reinvestment in local community development.
Rural Development for Women and Girl Children
Development activities to support rural women include income generation schemes and improved nutrition and cash income through cooperative vegetable gardens. School participation for girl children is promoted, for both first time students and students who have dropped out.
HIV/AIDS Awareness
A new project promotes HIV/AIDS awareness through educational theater, drama, music and other public media. Extensive training includes peer training and the training of trainers, educators and counselors. The active involvement of Islamic religious leaders is a critical component of this project.
Environmental Protection and Reforestation
Environment Protection and Village Reforestation Project. Sand dunes are mechanically stabilized before being reforested. © LWF/DWS Mauritania |
The Environmental Protection and Reforestation Project is implemented annually in about 25 locations to protect roads, wells and other village infrastructure from desertification. Belts of lush green forest around the country's capital, Nouakchott and many villages bear witness to the effectiveness of DWS' approach. In 2004, we are celebrating the 30th year of LWF work in Mauritania, which began with the Green Belt around the capital, saving it from being overrun by the desert.
Relief and Rehabilitation
Part of regular DWS project work involves emergency relief for drought and flood victims. Emergency preparedness linked to development activities includes assisting communities with technical and human resources planning, liaison with other organizations, storage of materials, transport, distribution and staff training. With limited agricultural production, village grain banks help communities with their disaster preparedness.
For further information please contact:
Program Officer Dr Colette Bouka-Coula
Local representative
Mr Aantjes Japp, Representative.
