Support for agro-pastoral initiatives in Hodh Ech Chargui

Strengthening levers for socio-economic and climate resilience

The population of the Hodh Ech Chargui (HEC) region (12.3 % of the national population) is mainly young, rural, and experiencing a high level of poverty and a food crisis situation. Since 2012, the emergence of conflicts and insecurity in Mali has generated population movement, internal displaced persons, and people returning to Mauritania (more than 90,000 people in HEC).

The Khaïma project, coordinated by GRET and its partners Ecodev and Tenmiya, is taking an integrated approach to provide solutions on a human scale to the problems identified, based on opportunities in the region. The problem-solving approach is structured around the creation of conditions that are conducive to sustainable, inclusive economic and social development in rural areas in the Djiguenni and Timbedra Moughataas. The project is particularly focusing on support for agro-pastoral initiatives.

Launched in October 2023, the project is being implemented in two phases:

An initial 18-month phase to conduct a diagnosis, participative planning and identify priority actions (block 1);
A second 42-month phase to roll out catalytic investments.

The project features six complementary components:

Strengthening of basic agro-pastoral facilities and infrastructure;
Participative social engineering upstream, during and downstream of investments;
Training and professional integration of young people and women in agricultural and pastoral value chains;
Agroecology and pastoral support-advice to valorise investments and support structuring of farmers and value chains;
Support for local governance;
Coordination, monitoring and evaluation, and capitalisation.

The objectives of the project

Contribute to promotion of peace, prevention of conflicts, and development in the zones of intervention selected in the G5 Sahel countries.
Creation of conditions that are conducive to inclusive and sustainable social and economic development in rural areas in the Djiguenni and Timbedra Moughataas.

Indicators

80 % of infrastructure with management rules and procedures ensuring fair, sustainable management.
400 women and young people benefit from certifying or qualifying training.
70 % of target communities and authorities consider that the project has contributed to social cohesion.

Expected results

Improved access to agropastoral and social infrastructure.
Promotion of agroecological practices and renewable resource management.
Development of vocational training provision and job opportunities.
Strengthening of social cohesion and positive perception of public stakeholders.