As stated by the AfDB, the AWKAR project aims to develop the agro-pastoral resources available in the north-eastern part (Dahr) of the Hodh Chargui region. It aims to provide a multi-dimensional solution to a number of problems and constraints facing the agro-pastoral sector and is an introduction to more structuring projects/programmes in the livestock sector, through the development of available agro-pastoral resources. It will help strengthen the country's position as a key centre for livestock production, targeting regional markets in countries such as Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, Morocco, Algeria and Libya.
The objective of the services and a pre-feasibility study is to contribute to providing reliable data and information concerning the various activities envisaged in the preparation of the Project to develop the natural agro-pastoral potential in the Saharan zone, with the AWKAR Project in the Hodh Chargui region to the east of Oualata near the Dahr as a pilot option.

The proposed operation concerns an advance not exceeding UA 569415, granted to the Government of Mauritania under the Project Preparation Facility (PPF), to finance services relating to pre-feasibility studies for the Inclusive Livestock Sector Development Project (AWKAR Project) as a pilot phase under the programme to develop the natural agro-pastoral potential in the Saharan zone. The envisaged project requires prior technical studies to prospect and investigate the area in order to gain a better understanding of the current situation. The advance on PPF resources will be used to hire consultants to prepare a pre-feasibility study (technical studies) and environmental and social safeguard studies for the investment project. It will also provide the Government with a portfolio of projects through an investment plan for the livestock sector. The study will begin no later than one month after the signing of the tripartite agreement (Government, AfDB and FAO) and will last 6 months. The results of the pre-feasibility study will provide an indication for the preparation of a pilot phase that will be used to scale up the various agro-pastoral zones identified in the country.

The operation will primarily benefit the Mauritanian government as part of the implementation of one of the flagship programmes of its National Livestock Development Plan 2018-2025.

AfDB Team Leader:

Youssouf Kabore
Email: y.kabore@afdb.org

Implementing Agencies -

Ministry of Finance:

Website: https://www.finances.gov.mr/

Food and Agriculture Organization:

Website: https://www.fao.org/home/en/

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

You can submit an information request for project information at: https://www.afdb.org/en/disclosure-and-access-to-information/request-for-documents. Under the AfDBÕs Disclosure and Access to Information policy, if you feel the Bank has omitted to publish information or your request for information is unreasonably denied, you can file an appeal at https://www.afdb.org/en/disclosure-and-access-to-information/appeals-process.

ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF AfDB

The Independent Review Mechanism (IRM), which is administered by the Compliance Review and Mediation Unit (CRMU), is the independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who have been or are likely to be adversely affected by an African Development Bank (AfDB)-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the IRM, it may assist you by either seeking to address your problems by facilitating a dispute resolution dialogue between you and those implementing the project and/or investigating whether the AfDB complied with its policies to prevent environmental and social harms. You can submit a complaint electronically by emailing crmuinfo@afdb.org, b.kargougou@afdb.org, b.fall@afdb.org, and/or s.toure@afdb.org. You can learn more about the IRM and how to file a complaint at: https://www.afdb.org/en/independent-review-mechanism/