Dubai, UAE — The Arkiz Agricultural Project in Mauritania, which has been financed by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) with a $34 million loan, has been inaugurated to enhance water and food security in the country and contribute to the development of key developmental sectors.
Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Director General of Arab Countries Operations Eng. Bandar Al-Obaid participated in the inauguration of the project, under which approximately 6,700 hectares of agricultural land will be reclaimed, which will help raise the agricultural production capacity, and generate employment opportunities.
The project will improve the efficiency of Mauritania’s water, irrigation and drainage facilities, while delivering agricultural equipment and potable water to farmers and the people of Mauritania, the release added.
SFD’s financial support of the Arkiz Agricultural Project is part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen vital developmental sectors in Mauritania through a range of development-focused projects and programs. Since 1979, the fund has contributed toward 20 development projects in the country, at a value of over $665 million.
SFD said it has helped manage a number of grants provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which were used for 28 development projects worth more than $151 million.
“The projects have further enabled the growth and prosperity of diverse sectors in Mauritania, and helped to improve the lives of many people,” SFD said.
