Climate change threatens age-old Mauritania date harvest

Published 2024년 7월 19일

Tridge summary

The article highlights the impact of climate change and desertification on Mauritania's agricultural sector, particularly affecting the date palms in the oasis village of Azougui. The village has seen the death of nearly 20,000 palm trees since the 1980s due to droughts, sudden downpours, and ineffective tree planting efforts. The disappearing palm trees, a crucial source of income, are forcing residents to migrate. In response, the villagers are seeking the construction of a dam to protect against flooding and improve growing conditions. The government is also implementing measures such as improving irrigation systems and providing solar panels and new date palms to poor farmers. However, the industry is facing challenges, including competition from North African dates and the need to improve techniques, reduce waste, and promote better quality species to revive the Mauritanian date industry.

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Original content

Wandering atop a small sand dune in central Mauritania, Aliene Haimoud gazed despondently at the yellowing date palms before him -- the trees are dying if they are not already dead. The advance of the desert is striking in the oasis village of Azougui, some 450 kilometres (280 miles) northeast of Nouakchott, the West African state's capital. Despite the ever-encroaching sand which is gradually swallowing up the trees, residents here are preparing for the Guetna -- the annual date harvest. The popular event is rooted in a long nomadic tradition and involves large family celebrations centred around the small, sweet fruit -- the region's main source of income. "You go from 10 to 1,000 friends," one local said cheerfully. The village of M'Heiret has suffered severe palm tree losses over the years due to droughts and sudden downpours. By Michele Cattani (AFP) But when a palm tree dies, a little of the life in each village is extinguished. "Because of the sand, people are forced to ...

Source: Modernghana