Mauritania — humanitarian situation

Mauritania faces compounding humanitarian challenges driven by environmental degradation, climate vulnerabilities, and migration-related risks. The country confronts significant land degradation and desertification, with only 0.4 percent of land classified as arable, drastically reducing soil fertility and productive capacity with negative impacts on both agricultural and pastoral livelihoods WFP. Climate projections indicate that the intensifying El Niño phenomenon could significantly aggravate food insecurity through 2027 across vulnerable countries, with climate shocks threatening millions already at risk of acute hunger WFP. Regional pastoral monitoring for April-May 2026 documented an advanced lean season phase marked by progressive decline in pasture and water resources, with the drying up of temporary surface water increasing pressure on permanent watering points while transhumance movements remain limited or disrupted by insecurity and border closures ACF. Desert locust populations are increasing in Mauritania, with solitarious adults observed during July monitoring FAO. Regional rainfall patterns show below-average precipitation in several Sahelian areas, leading to crop water deficits and deteriorated vegetation conditions FEWS NET. The Atlantic migration route continues to exact a deadly toll. On 18 July, Mauritanian coast guards rescued 38 survivors near Nouadhibou from a vessel that departed The Gambia carrying approximately 180 people and spent 25 days at sea, making this the deadliest migrant shipwreck on the West African Atlantic route in 2026 IOM, MSF. Survivors were initially assisted by fishermen before coast guard intervention MSF. This incident underscores heightened risks on the route, where quarterly data shows a 16 percent decrease in recorded deaths and disappearances alongside a 67 percent drop in arrivals to the Canary Islands, suggesting that reduced arrivals do not necessarily reflect fewer crossing attempts but may relate to increased risks in a context of stricter migration controls MMC. Migration movements are increasingly shifting toward the Western Mediterranean route, which saw a 26 percent increase MMC. WFP assisted 103,099 people in June 2026, distributing 500.366 metric tons of food, and requires USD 36.5 million for the next six months from July through December 2026 WFP. The convergence of environmental degradation, climate variability, and migration pressures demands sustained humanitarian response and early preparedness measures to protect vulnerable populations facing deteriorating food security and livelihood conditions.