Why does Mauritania import much of its food?

Mauritania is not self-sufficient in food production, necessitating significant imports to feed its population. This dependency primarily stems from a severe and prolonged decline in agricultural output that began in the 1970s due to persistent drought.123

Between 1970 and 1980, crop production fell by approximately two-thirds. While the government has attempted to increase agricultural capacity—specifically by expanding irrigated land in the Sénégal River valley and boosting the production of crops like rice, millet, and sorghum—these efforts have not yet eliminated the need for external food support. Consequently, foodstuffs remain among the country’s most significant imports.321