Context

Water management in Mauritania faces significant challenges due to the country's arid climate and limited freshwater resources. The country relies heavily on the Senegal River for water supply, but this is often affected by droughts and competing demands from neighbouring countries.

There are efforts to improve water access and sustainability, but ongoing challenges remain due to environmental and socio-economic factors. While urban areas, particularly the capital Nouakchott, have some infrastructure for water supply, many rural regions face challenges such as scarcity, contamination, and inadequate distribution systems.

Key issues include:

  • Water Scarcity
    Mauritania experiences chronic water scarcity, particularly in rural areas where access to safe drinking water is limited.
  • Infrastructure
    The water supply infrastructure is often inadequate, with many areas lacking reliable access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
  • Climate Change
    Increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns make water shortages worse and impact agriculture, which is a crucial sector for the economy.
  • Management Strategies
    The government, along with international organisations, is working on various strategies to improve water management. This includes investments in infrastructure, promotion of efficient irrigation techniques, and community-based water management approaches.
  • Transboundary Issues
    Mauritania shares water resources with neighbouring countries. Collaboration, especially concerning the Senegal River, is critical for sustainable water management.

Goal of this project

  • Strengthen Mauritania's capacity in sustainable water management and improving access to water.
  • Contributing to the Dutch strategy based on integrated water management in Mauritania.
  • Develop partnerships between Mauritanian institutions and Dutch institutions in the field of sustainable water management.
  • Capacity building of Mauritanian key actors working in the field of water.

This call is open for Dutch training providers who:

  • are interested in providing a training for representatives of the mentioned Mauritanian organisations in the field of water management and improving access to water.
  • have a track record of providing training in the suggested topics.
  • have experience in Mauritania or in the region.
  • are interested in providing training in Mauritania and in the Netherlands.
  • agree with the MSP Grant Conditions;
  • meet the general MSP criteria as mentioned on the MSP TMT page.

About the participating organisations in Mauritania

  • The Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation is responsible for managing the country's water resources and sanitation services. Its main objectives typically include ensuring access to clean drinking water, improving sanitation facilities, and promoting sustainable water management practices. The ministry plays a crucial role in addressing water-related challenges, particularly in arid regions, and works on projects aimed at enhancing water supply systems, waste management, and public health initiatives.
  • The National Water Distribution Company (SNDE) is responsible for the management and distribution of water resources across the country. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that communities have access to clean and safe drinking water. SNDE works on various initiatives to improve water infrastructure, expand access to underserved areas, and enhance the overall quality of water services. The company often collaborates with government bodies and international organizations to address challenges related to water supply and sanitation in Mauritania.
  • The National Office of Water Services in Rural Areas (ONSER) is responsible for managing and ensuring access to safe water services in rural regions. Its main objectives include the development and maintenance of water supply systems, promoting sustainable water resource management, and improving the overall quality of life for rural communities.
  • The Organization for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS) is a regional cooperative organization established in 1972 to promote sustainable development and management of the Senegal River Basin. The organization includes four member countries: Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, and Guinea.

About the participants

  • The intended target group consists of staff members who are involved in decision making and knowledge sharing with staff assigned to their departments.
  • Priority is given to staff members of the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation. Additionally also representatives of the National Water Distribution Company (SNDE), the National Office of Water Services in Rural Areas (ONSER) and the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS) should be invited to the training to enrich the debate and exchange experiences between the different actors in charge of water.
  • At least 15 participants should be able to take part in the training in the Netherlands. If possible. more participants are invited to participate in the training part in Mauritania.

Gender equality

  • In the Mena Scholarship Programme (MSP) gender equality is an important theme. We especially encourage women to take part in knowledge exchange activities of the Mena Scholarship Programme, our aim is a gender balance of 50%.
  • The Dutch training provider cannot fully influence the nomination of female participants from the local organisations, but we expect the Dutch training providers to explain in their proposals how they will encourage female participation and create a supportive and safe learning environment for female participants.

Suggested location and timing

  • Approximately 2 days training in Mauritania to get to know the group and finetune the training goals together.
  • At least 1 week training in the Netherlands including field visits to relevant organisations and meetings with key stakeholders of the Dutch water sector.
  • Approximately 1 day online to follow-up on the training results.
  • The training should take place in 2025, before 31 December 2025. The exact dates can be determined together with all parties involved once a training provider is selected.

More information

  • As more information on participants and subtopics will be available later on, the main goal of this call is to identify a training provider (based on the submitted documents) who has expertise and experience to provide a training in sustainable water management and access to water.
  • A training needs analysis should be conducted before the start of the training to make sure that the training fits well within the Mauritanian context and the needs of the participants.
  • Outreach to the Mauritanian organisations will take place in coordination with the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Mauritania and/or the Embassy of the Netherlands in Senegal responsible for Mauritania. Nuffic will connect the Dutch training provider with the Consulate/Embassy after the selection.
  • All parts of the training should be provided in French or together with a French translator.
  • It is not necessary to include the visa costs in the budget.
  • Please carefully read the call information on our website before submitting a training proposal.
  • The outcome of the selection will be available at the end of 2024.
  • For any questions please send an email to msp@nuffic.nl

Application

Budget
75.000 Euro

Deadline
Thursday 28 November 2024 23.59 CET, please apply by sending your application form to msp@nuffic.nl.

How to apply?
Find all information on the process of applying and the required documents on the MSP TMT page.