World Food Programme - Some 700,000 people are plagued with food insecurity in Mauritania, according to a report published Thursday by the World Food Programme (WFP).

'The food insecurity rates are three times higher than they were in the same period in 2010,' the report said.

It said the South-east and East of Mauritania are the most affected regions, and that over three quarters of the rural food insecure areas are in the agro-pastoral and riverine areas.

The WFP blamed the situation on rainfall deficit in 2010 which reduced the country’s cereal production by 52 per cent.

Based on its observation, WFP has recommended 'urgent action to assist the poorest households and avoid a major humanitarian crisis'.

To cope with the situation, the Mauritanian government has set up a program, 'Hope 2012', with a budget of US$145 million, and called for international assistance.

Pana 09/02/2012