USADF LAUNCHES PROGRAM OPERATIONS IN MAURITANIA

First Projects Will Help Camel Herders Fight Drought, Increase Milk Production

WASHINGTON - July 2, 2008

WASHINGTON – July 2, 2008 – The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) announced today that it has launched formal program operations in Mauritania for the first time by providing funding for two economic development projects valued at USD $500,000. The grants will help 1,100 camel herders in the Trarza and Brakna regions of Mauritania enhance their food security and increase their income through support for increased cow and camel milk production. 

USADF President Lloyd Pierson presented His Excellency Ibrahima Dia, Mauritania’s Ambassador to the United States, with a copy of the signed grant agreements in a ceremony at USADF’s Washington headquarters today.

During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Dia stated “I am thankful for ADF’s efforts in working with Mauritania to quickly implement the project. These funds will not only strengthen Mauritania’s own economic policies, but also reflect Mauritania’s commitment to social policies.”

 “USADF is excited by the opportunity to start program operations in Mauritania and help returned refugees and former slave communities create better strategies to manage the impact of drought and desertification in the Sahel,” Mr. Pierson said, “ADF’S unique ability to provide direct financing to African community-based enterprises helps us identify critical needs and quickly design projects in direct partnership with their intended beneficiaries.  The Rosso and Boghé projects were designed and implemented in just 60 days.” 

The projects will help Mauritanian pastoralists break the cycle of poverty and overcome the challenge of decreased rainfall in pastoral regions of southern Mauritania by providing participants with access to credit for the purchase of animal feed and veterinary services. 

“Not only will these projects have an immediate economic impact, they will also bring diverse ethnic and cultural communities in Mauritania together as active partners in growth and development,” said Ms. Rama Bah, USADF’s Regional Program Coordinator.  “We hope that ADF’s work with pastoralists in Rosso and Boghé will serve as a model for effective cooperation on critical rural development needs.”

The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is a United States Governmentagency dedicated to expanding access to economic opportunity in Africa. Over the past 25 years, USADF has funded nearly 1,200 projects representing in excess of $150 million in support of African enterprises and local African communities.

For more information on USADF, its programs and application guidelines, visit www.usadf.gov.

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