The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) hasannounced the launch of two special programs for Mauritania. The foundationwill provide funding for two economic development projects valued at $500,000.

Thepresident of the organization, Lloyd Pierson, told VOA English to Africareporter Douglas Mpuga that the grants will help 1,100 camel herders in theRosso and Boghé regions of Mauritania enhance their food security and earn moremoney through increased milk production.

"This is avery important grant to Mauritania. We are working with former slaves in thesouthern part of the country, in particular camel herders, and our grants willhelp them increase their milk production from the camels that they can sell to processingplants in the capital," he said. And he said the ripple effect will benefitnot only the camel herders but also others, such as the milk processors.

Piersonsaid some of the funds will be used to provide technical assistance to thecamel herders so they can improve their ability to manage their finances. "Weare looking at helping the camel herders make their activities profitable.Also…ensuring they have good governance, good financial management and goodmanagement of their operations."

Piersonsaid the African Development Foundation focuses on identifying marginalizedgroups in Africa -- underprivileged, underserved groups -- and working withthem on a community level. He said in Mauritania, the foundation hopes to helpthe former slaves not only increase their income, but also gain access tosocial benefits, such as health and education.

Piersonadded that the project will also address environmental issues because part ofthe (funding) agreement focuses on how to protect the land that the camels feedon.

The African Development Foundation is a U.S.government agency dedicated to expanding access to economic opportunity inAfrica. Currently it operates in 18 African countries. Over the past 25 years,the foundation has funded nearly 1,200 projects representing more than $150million in support of African enterprises and local African communities.

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