Introducing solar-powered pumping in the oases of Mauritania

Under the Programme de Développement des Oasis (PDDO), the Government of Mauritania, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) have introduced and piloted solar-powered water pumping for agricultural use in the oases.

The programme’s overall objective was to establish a solid base for development, create the conditions under which the people of the oases could overcome poverty, and combat the degradation of their environment. The introduction of solar-powered pumping, a clean technology with the potential of promoting inclusive growth, has played an important role in achieving this objective.

As the PDDO has come to an end, this document describes some of the valuable experiences gained and offers a critical review of the impact of this new technology on water sustainability.