FY 2024 Mauritania Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team | August 2024 Acknowledgements The Mauritania Country Opinion Survey is part of the County Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis of the survey results. Noreen Wambui and Irina Popova provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from the Mauritania country team and independent field agency Synergie ACM Sarl. In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Khadijetou Cisse (Operations Officer) and Loana Billeux (Communications Consultant) who coordinated the survey-related activities from Nouakchott, Mauritania. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Context Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Mauritania World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Mauritania Communication and Outreach Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in better understanding how Mauritania stakeholders perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Context: How familiar are they with the WBG? How much do they trust the WBG? 2. Key Indicators: What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG regarding its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with Mauritania’s development priorities, and other key indicators? Are opinions improving or declining? 3. Development Priorities: What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? Have the priorities changed over the past three years? How effective is the WBG perceived to be in these areas? 4. Engagement on the Ground: How is the WBG perceived as a development partner in Mauritania? Are opinions improving or declining? 5. Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work: What do key stakeholders value the most regarding the WBG’s work in Mauritania? What opinion do key stakeholders have of WBG financial instruments and knowledge products? Are opinions improving or declining? What are stakeholders’ suggestions for improving WBG’s effectiveness? 6. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 7. Message Recall: What key topics that the WBG communicates do stakeholders recall? Is there a relationship between message recall and views of the WBG’s work? 4 Methodology Overview Government Institution 28% ▪ Fielded January – March 2024 ▪ 692 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly quantitative survey Private Sector 20% ▪ Respondents received the questionnaire via a courier, completed the questionnaire face-to-face with a representative of the fielding agency, or Civil Society Organization 15% completed the questionnaire via an online platform ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and supplemented by the fielding agency Academia / Research Centers 9% ▪ Process managed on the ground by the fielding agency Local Government Office or 7% Staff ▪ 320 participants (46% response rate) ▪ 67% from Nouakchott Media 7% ▪ 30% currently collaborate with the WBG Office of the President / Prime 5% ▪ Compared to FY21 Country Survey Minister / Minister ▪ 348 participants (70% response rate) Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 4% ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaire with a representative of the fielding firm, via courier, or online ▪ 28% collaborated with the WBG Other 3% Click here for details of the Respondent Sample and Methodology. Office of a Parliamentarian 2% What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=320) 5 6 Overall Context “First of all, the WBG should decentralize its activities and opportunities more at [the] local and community levels, not just at [the] central level. Our societies are unfortunately plagued by corruption and misappropriation of public funds, astronomical amounts of money have been allocated, and although efforts are being made, the development situation in Mauritania remains very precarious and unequal…” (Civil Society Organization Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Mauritania? (N=191) Significantly Lower Familiarity with the World Bank ▪ Comparison of FY24 and FY21: Respondents in this year’s All Respondents 4.8 Country Survey reported significantly lower levels of familiarity with the World Bank compared to respondents in the FY21 Survey: Government Institutions 6.6 Mean familiarity: FY24 = 4.8 Office of the President / PM / 5.9 FY21 = 5.4 Minister Bilateral /Multilateral Agency 5.6 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: Media 4.7 Mean familiarity: Collaborate with WBG = 5.8 Civil Society 4.6 Do not collaborate = 3.7 Local Government 4.2 ▪ Stakeholders: Respondents from government institutions indicated significantly higher levels of familiarity with the WBG, whereas academia respondents reported the lowest Private Sector 3.3 level of familiarity with its work. Academia 2.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in Mauritania? 7 Q Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very familiar Significant difference between stakeholder groups Stakeholders Most Familiar with the WBG ▪ Respondents in this year’s Country Survey were asked to World Bank Group 4.8 indicate their familiarity with the work of several international organizations and the World Bank Group. Of these organizations, respondents in Mauritania indicated the highest United Nations 4.5 levels of familiarity with the work of the WBG, followed by the UN. Respondents were least familiar with the work of the African Union and the IMF. European Union 4.3 French Development Agency 4.0 (AFD) African Development Bank 4.0 (AfDB) African Union 3.6 International Monetary Fund 3.6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Familiarity How familiar are you with the work of these organizations in Mauritania? Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Very 8 Q familiar The WBG was the Most World Bank Group 6.5 6.1 Trusted Institution Bilateral organizations 5.9 5.7 Civil society 5.7 5.3 Respondents in Mauritania gave the highest trust ratings in the World Bank Group, followed by bilateral Youth organizations 5.7 5.5 organizations, civil society, youth organizations, and the UN. United Nations 5.7 6.1 Trust ratings in the central bank and the national Academia / research centers 5.5 government significantly improved in FY24 compared to the FY21 survey. Mauritania’s Central Bank* 5.4 4.8 Trust in the media, the IMF, and the UN decreased 5.3 Regional development banks 5.4 FY24 compared to the FY21 survey, though not significantly. The parliament/ legislative branch was the least trusted FY21 National government* 5.3 institution. 4.5 International Monetary Fund 5.2 ▪ Regarding trust in the WBG, respondents from civil 5.5 society organizations had the highest trust ratings in 5.1 Private sector 4.8 the WBG (mean = 7.7). In contrast, respondents from academia had significantly lower trust ratings (means = 5.1 Faith-based organizations 4.7 4.4). Local government 5.0 Media 4.6 5.0 Parliament / legislative branch 4.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How much do you trust each of the following institutions to do what is right for Mauritania? Mean Rating of Trust Q Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much *Significant difference between years 9 10 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “Refocus on 2 or 3 priority areas (education, health, and urban development, for example) to avoid spreading resources too thinly. More flexibility in procedures to adapt to crisis situations. Better evaluate completed projects to learn lessons.” (Government Principal Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Mauritania? (N=191) Perceptions of the WBG’s Effectiveness Improved Significantly; Other Key Performance Indicators Remain Moderately Positive In FY24, respondents gave significantly higher ratings for Effectiveness in helping 7.3 the WBG's effectiveness in helping Mauritania achieve Mauritania achieve results^* 6.1 development results than in FY21. The WBG’s relevance to development in Mauritania, alignment with the country’s development priorities, and perceptions of influence on 6.6 Relevant role in development shaping development policy remained moderately positive. 6.5 ▪ Local government respondents reported higher ratings for most of these key indicators. Academia respondents 6.5 Aligned with development consistently provided the lowest ratings for all these priorities 6.2 FY24 indicators. FY21 Positive influence on shaping 6.4 development policy 6.6 6.1 Helps end poverty in Mauritania 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 How effective is the WBG in helping Mauritania achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Mean Rating Q ^Compared to a mean score of the two questions asked in FY21: "Overall, please rate your impression of the WBG’s effectivenes s in Mauritania. Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective; To what extent does the WBG’s work help to achieve development re sults in Mauritania? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Mauritania. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Mauritania. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Mauritania. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 11 The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Mauritania. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 6.5 7.0 7.6 Civil Society and Aligned with development priorities* 5.5 6.7 6.9 Government Have More 5.2 6.2 6.3 Positive Views of the WBG 5.5 6.7 7.2 Office of the President/PM/Minister Trust in the WBG* 7.7 5.9 Government Institution 4.4 5.5 Comparisons of ratings for key performance indicators 6.2 between stakeholder groups show that government and 7.8 Local Government civil society respondents tended to give higher ratings for 8.2 Effectiveness in helping 8.0 many key indicators of the WBG’s performance. Mauritania achieve results^* 6.6 7.7 Bilateral / Multilateral Respondents from bilateral/multilateral agencies and local 5.2 Agency 7.5 governments were also positive, particularly in their 6.2 Civil Society perceptions of the WBG’s effectiveness. 6.6 6.5 Positive influence on shaping 7.3 In contrast, respondents from academia tended to give development policy* 7.4 Private Sector 5.8 significantly lower ratings. 4.7 5.8 Academia 6.2 7.1 6.7 6.6 Media Relevant role in development 7.1 5.8 5.3 *Significant difference 6.2 between stakeholder groups 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Q For question wording and scales, please see the previous slide. 12 Familiarity Leads to More Positive Perceptions 8.4 Comparing ratings of key performance indicators among Effectiveness in helping Mauritania 7.4 respondents highly familiar with the WBG (ratings of 8- to achieve results* 6.5 10 on a 10-point scale) and those with little familiarity with the WBG (ratings of 1-4 on a 10-point scale), one 8.2 can see that the more familiar stakeholders are with the Trust the WBG to do what 6.3 WBG, the more positive perceptions they have of the is right for Mauritania* WBG and its work. 5.6 8.2 Meaningful engagement and outreach can continue Relevant role in development 6.3 to increase positive perceptions. 5.9 8.0 Alignment with development 6.4 priorities* 5.6 7.9 Positive influence on shaping 5.7 development policy* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating How familiar are you with the work of the WBG in Mauritania? High Familiarity (8-10) Some Familiarity (5-7) Low Familiarity (1-4) How much do you trust the WBG to do what is right for Mauritania? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much *Significant difference between Q The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Mauritania. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree levels of familiarity The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Mauritania. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Mauritania. Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree How effective is the WBG in helping Mauritania achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective 13 Mauritania’s Key Performance Indicators are Somewhat Lower than those of other Western and Central African Countries and IDA Countries, except for Effectiveness 7.3 Effectiveness in helping to achieve 6.7 results 6.7 6.6 Relevant role in development 7.2 7.1 Mauritania FY24 6.5 Alignment with development priorities 6.8 Western and 6.7 Central Africa FY23 6.5 Trust the WBG to do what is right 7.0 IDA FY23 7.0 6.4 Positive influence on shaping 6.7 development policy 6.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating FY23 Western and Central African countries: Cabo Verde, Central Africa Rep., Rep. of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, and the Gambia 14 Q FY23 IDA countries: Central Africa Republic, Djibouti, Ghana, Guinea, Honduras, Kyrgyz Republic, Mali, Nepal, São Tomé & Príncipe, Tanzania, and The Gambia Stakeholder Trends Across Performance Indicators Civil society respondents (CSOs) had the highest mean All Respondents 6.3 rating across the aggregated responses to the nineteen COS indicator questions, whereas academia respondents CSOs 7.0 had significantly lower ratings. Government Institutions 6.8 ▪ Collaboration with the WBG: Respondents who indicated that they collaborate with the WBG gave significantly higher ratings across the aggregated Local Government 6.6 indicator questions compared to respondents who do not collaborate with the WBG: Bilateral /Multilateral Agency 6.4 Mean rating: Collaborate with WBG = 7.4 Media 6.0 Do not collaborate = 5.7 Office of the President / PM / 5.6 Minister Private Sector 5.5 Academia 4.6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Aggregated Indicator Questions *Significant difference between stakeholder groups Q All Indicator Questions asked on a Scale from 1 to 10. Click here for details of these Indicator Questions. 15 16 World Bank Group’s Support for Development Areas “Through project financing, the WBG must focus its efforts on financing the agricultural sector by supporting players in the value chain, particularly at the rural level. The WBG must also contribute to behavioral change through gender involvement by giving women access to and control over land and facilitating their access to credit to reduce the economic gap between different social classes and combat stereotypes.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Mauritania? (N=191) Development Areas Education 51% for WBG Focus Agriculture / food security 49% Like FY21, education, agriculture/food security, and Jobs 46% jobs were among the top areas where stakeholders would Water / sanitation 42% 12% in FY21 like the WBG to focus its resources in FY24. Water/sanitation was of much greater priority in FY24, Social protection 28% 4% in FY21 identified by more than three times as many respondents compared to FY21. Similarly, social protection increased Public sector governance 26% in priority from 4% in FY21 to 28% in FY24. Gender equity 25% Climate change has gained global importance, and 15% of respondents in Mauritania in FY24 selected it among Transport infrastructure 24% the areas the WBG should prioritize. Debt management 21% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the Health / pandemic preparedness / disease 20% Top 2 in FY21 (25%) WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Mauritania? Judiciary reform 20% “Create job opportunities, Work to support education, Work Environment / natural resource management 18% to support infrastructure, Work to support sanitation.” (Private Sector Respondent) Energy / extractives (mining, oil, and gas) 17% “Pay more attention to the land issue and its exploitation for Climate change 15% food security, Ensure expected mining and gas exploitation and the proper distribution of resources, Pay attention to Private sector development 14% education and health issues, Assist on the urban development strategy.” Urban development 13% (Civil Society Respondent) Digital infrastructure development 11% Security (i.e., Sahel geopolitical context) 9% 17 Q Which areas should the WBG prioritize to have the most impact on development results in Mauritania? (Select up to 5) (Percentage of Respondents, N=296) Effectiveness of WBG’s Sectoral Support The WBG’s work in health and agriculture/food security received the highest Finance / Institutions / Economic Growth effectiveness ratings. Of note, respondents in this year’s survey rated the WBG’s work in social inclusion significantly higher than in FY21. Macroeconomic stability 5.7 Trade 5.6 Human Development 5.6 Regional integration 5.5 6.2 5.6 Health 6.1 Debt sustainability 5.4 FY24 6.2 Gender equity 5.4 FY21 6.1 Job creation / employment 5.4 5.8 FY24 5.4 Social protection 5.8 Public sector governance 5.6 FY21 Private sector development 5.3 5.7 5.9 Social inclusion* 4.6 Judiciary reform 4.7 5.6 4.8 Education 6.0 Infrastructure Environmental Sustainability Energy / extractives 5.9 5.4 6.1 5.8 Agriculture and food security Water supply and sanitation infrastructure 5.7 5.5 Urban development 5.5 6.1 5.5 Climate change FY24 5.7 FY21 Transport 5.4 FY24 *Significant difference 5.1 Environment / natural resource 5.7 FY21 between years management 5.7 Digital development 5.4 5.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating of Effectiveness How effective has the WBG been at achieving development results in each of these areas in Mauritania? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective Q (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”) 18 19 World Bank Group’s Engagement on the Ground in Mauritania “Involve beneficiaries throughout the project process. Streamlining procedures to ensure that the funding mobilized by the WBG is properly absorbed. Involvement of civil society in project implementation. Facilitate using Arabic and other official languages in cooperation with Mauritania and promote projects employing young people and women. Establish solid mechanisms to guarantee greater transparency in awarding tangible and intangible contracts [and] strengthen accountability to beneficiaries and other stakeholders. Translate documentary resources into Arabic and other official languages…” (Civil Society Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Mauritania? (N=1118) The WBG Increasingly Seen as an Accessible Long-Term Partner In FY24, respondents perceived the WBG more as a long- Being a long-term partner to 7.3 term partner that is significantly more accessible than in FY21. Perceptions of the WBG’s responsiveness, Mauritania 6.7 openness, and flexibility remained at the same moderately positive level as in FY21. Responsiveness to needs in 6.3 Mauritania 6.0 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Mauritania? “To increase its effectiveness in Mauritania, the World Bank Group should focus on tailoring development initiatives to Access to WBG staff and 6.1 address specific socio-economic challenges in the country. This experts* FY24 5.3 involves engaging with local communities, understanding their FY21 needs, and designing projects that promote sustainable development. Collaboration with the Mauritanian government, non-governmental organizations, and local stakeholders is Openness (sharing data and 6.1 crucial for successful implementation. Additionally, emphasizing other information) 6.1 capacity building, education, and healthcare projects can contribute to long-term economic growth and poverty reduction in Mauritania. Regular evaluation and adaptation of strategies based on local feedback will enhance the World Bank Group's Flexibility when circumstances 5.9 impact in the region.” change in Mauritania^ 5.5 (Government Institution Respondent) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of the following? Q Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree ^Compared to the mean of institutional flexibility and flexibility to changes in the country context asked in FY21. 20 *Significant difference between years Perceptions of the WBG’s Collaboration with Stakeholders Remain Moderate In FY24, respondents reported the highest ratings for the 6.9 National government WBG’s collaboration with the national government and 6.9 other development partners. Perceptions of the WBG’s collaboration with civil society and the private sector were Other donors and 6.6 lower and remained unchanged since FY21. development partners 6.2 6.0 Local government In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG 5.7 could do to help increase its effectiveness in Mauritania? Civil society FY24 5.5 FY21 “The WBG could put in place more effective mechanisms for 5.4 gathering stakeholder feedback, including surveys, consultations Private sector and discussion forums. It could also create partnerships with local 5.3 organizations to better understand country-specific contexts and challenges.” (Media Respondent) 5.2 Academia / research centers “Establish frequent feedback on requests and questions.” (Government Institution Respondent) Parliament / legislative 5.2 branch 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Mauritania, in terms of collaborating with the following Q groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree 21 Stakeholders want the Bank to Collaborate More with Civil Society and Local Government Civil society (e.g., NGOs, CBOs) 34% Respondents in this year’s survey indicated that the WBG should collaborate more with civil society, local Top for government Local government 32% institutions (54%) governments, the private sector, and youth organizations in addition to its partnership with the Private sector 31% national government. Youth organizations 28% Academia / research centers 17% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Mauritania? UN 8% “Above all, the involvement of national NGOs in support of sustainable development, the environment, human rights, and Mauritania’s Central Bank 6% good governance. Full involvement in projects and programs to Other donors and development restore climate change, setting up community-based 6% partners agricultural activities to benefit local populations, involving women and young people in design and implementation, water, Parliament / legislative branch 6% renewable energy, and other activities to restore natural biodiversity, regenerate income, etc.” Bilateral organizations 5% (Bilateral or Multilateral Agency Respondent) Media 5% “Working with local elected representatives “ (Local Government Respondent) Regional development banks 5% Faith-based institution 5% IMF 3% In addition to its partnership with the national government, which of the following Q should the WBG collaborate with more to have greater impact in Mauritania? Other 1% 22 (Select up to 2) (Percentage of Respondents, N=279) 23 World Bank Group’s Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work “The most important action the World Bank Group can take to increase the efficiency level of its workers in Mauritania is permanent monitoring and growing technical and financial support.” (Government Institution Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Mauritania? (N=191) Capacity Development Considered the Bank’s Capacity development and training 49% Greatest Value Of more value to Financial resources 35% bilateral/multilateral Financial resources (35%) and technical assistance respondents(70%) and implementation support (32%) were also highly valued instruments of the WBG in Mauritania. Technical assistance and 32% Of more value to local implementation support government(55%) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Convening / bringing together 17% Mauritania? different groups of stakeholders “In my view, one of the most important things the World Bank Group could do to increase its effectiveness in Development partner coordination 16% Mauritania would be to focus on local capacity building. This means working closely with local players, such as the government, civil society organizations, and communities, to develop their skills and expertise.” Mobilizing third-party financial 16% (Academia Respondent) resources “1) Organize an awareness-raising workshop in Mauritania on the role of the WBG in developing countries. Knowledge and analytical products 15% 2) Provide private-sector-oriented skills training in fields useful to human development…” (Private Sector Respondent) Other 3% Which WBG instruments do you VALUE the most in Mauritania? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=299) 24 WBG Seen as Effectively Monitoring/Evaluating Projects, Perceptions of its Lending Improved Significantly Perceptions of the WBG’s financial instruments have The WBG effectively monitors 6.8 improved significantly in most questions. Respondents had and evaluates the projects it the highest levels of agreement that the WBG effectively supports in Mauritania* 5.9 monitors and evaluates projects it supports. Perceptions of the WBG’s meeting the country’s needs and timeliness The WBG’s Environmental and 6.7 of its support have improved significantly compared to FY21, Social Framework requirements are reasonable* 6.0 although they remain relatively moderate. ▪ Of note, academia respondents gave the lowest ratings for The WBG’s financial 6.6 all these statements. Government institution respondents instruments meet the needs of Mauritania* 6.0 were significantly more likely to agree that the WBG provides financial support in a timely manner(mean = 7.3). FY24 The WBG insists on 6.4 FY21 accountability through its lending 6.0 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Mauritania? The conditions of the WBG’s 6.2 financing are competitive “Ensure the supervision and regular monitoring of investment compared to markets projects…” (Government Institution Respondent) The WBG provides financial 6.2 “Reducing debt and enforcing transparency in loans and their support in a timely manner*^ 5.3 utilization while easing transaction regulations.” (Academia Respondent) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q ^Compared to "The World Bank Group disburses funds promptly" in FY21 *Significant difference between years 25 40% of Respondents Have Used the WBG’s Knowledge Work; Those Who Have Were Significantly More Satisfied The WBG brings global expertise to 7.7 Nearly 4 in 10 respondents reported having Mauritania as part of its knowledge work* used the WBG’s knowledge work in the past. 6.4 Working with the WBG increases 7.3 Mauritania’s institutional capacity* 5.7 I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s 7.2 knowledge work in Mauritania* 5.8 Yes Have you ever 40% used the 6.8 Have you ever The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to WBG’s Mauritania’s context* used the WBG’s 5.0 knowledge No knowledge work? 60% work? 6.8 Yes When I need to consult the WBG’s knowledge work, I know how to find it* 5.5 No The WBG’s publications are translated 5.8 enough into local language(s) 5.6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Have you ever used the WBG’s knowledge work, including participating in workshops or training programs? (Percentage of Respon dents, N=265) Q To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree 26 *Significant difference between yes/no WBG Knowledge Work is Perceived More Positively in its Contribution to Development Results. Respondents agreed the most strongly that WBG’s Significance of contribution to development 7.4 knowledge work significantly contributes to results in Mauritania* 6.5 development results in Mauritania (significant improvement since FY21) and brings global The WBG brings global expertise to 7.1 expertise to Mauritania. Their ratings for WBG’s Mauritania as part of its knowledge work^ 6.5 knowledge being tailored to the country’s needs and translated enough into local languages remain I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s 6.5 somewhat lower. knowledge work in Mauritania Working with the WBG increases 6.4 In your opinion, what is the most important thing Mauritania’s institutional capacity 6.6 FY24 the WBG could do to help increase FY21 its effectiveness in Mauritania? When I need to consult the WBG’s 6.1 knowledge work, I know how to find it “The WBG must follow all the work it carries out by going to the places where it has financed” (Government Principal Respondent) The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to 5.9 Mauritania’s context^^ 6.3 “More training and dissemination of WBG procedures.” (Government Institution Respondent) The WBG’s publications are translated 5.7 enough into local language(s) 5.2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree Q How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG’s knowledge work make to development results in Mauritania? Mean Rating Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant ^Compared to "Are a source of relevant information on global good practices" asked in FY21. ^^Compared to "Are adaptable to Mauritania’s specific development challenges and country circumstances" in FY21 27 *Significant difference between years 28 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in Mauritania “Objective and transparent, considering experience, actual past contribution, volume and quality of contributions to sustainable development.” (Civil Society Respondent) “The World Bank needs to focus more on making its investments highly objective and work closely with NGOs to better channel urgent needs in a transparent and ethical manner.” (Government Principal Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Mauritania? (N=191) How can the Bank increase its effectiveness? Open Ended Responses Communication • Raise awareness about WBG’s work in the Focus Area • Education and health 4% population • Jobs and youth employment/skills development • Better dissemination of WBG procedures. 33%* • Agriculture and food self-sufficiency • Private sector development, better business Financial support • Adapt financing to the local context environment 7% • Provide budget support Communication • Infrastructure in both rural and urban areas • More results-based financing Financial • Fundings for SMEs and micro-projects Support Operational Results • Collaborate more with local civil society Focus and government for better needs Operational • Better alignment with government Effectiveness 22% Area assessment, generating context-specific priorities and national development Effectiveness strategies solutions, project implementation, and 9% • Adapt its programs more to the local consistent M&E context Knowledge • Strict oversight of fund allocation • Reduce bureaucracy • Promote good governance, results- based funding Knowledge • Create (or fund) training programs that are Engagement accessible to young Mauritanians, particularly 11% in areas that can improve their employability Engagement 13% • Work directly with local entities • Build the capacity of government institutions Results • Tap into the knowledge and insights of local and local organizations, enabling them to experts and civil society organizations. manage and implement development projects • Work more closely with UN agencies, more effectively. Develop courses/workshops leveraging their expertise and comparative for disadvantaged population advantages. In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Mauritania? (N=191) Q *All percentages are counted based on the total number of topics mentioned by the respondents; individual comments could be counted multiple times depending on the number of topics they cover. 29 How can the Bank increase its effectiveness? Open-Ended Responses Build local capacity and better align with Mauritania’s context. Consistently monitoring. Focus Area Results “Participatory interventions + Knowledge transfer + Capacity building + Rigorous evaluation “The World Bank Group must firmly control all the projects it gives.” and monitoring + Working directly with local governance + Capitalization of achievements (Government Institutions Respondent) and challenges and concealment of learning + More transparency + Communication + Empowerment of development actors and strengthen the population on good governance, “Education, Democracy, Fight against bad governance and corruption, Scrupulous public spending, and citizenship.” monitoring of projects and their execution.” (Academia Respondent) (Bilateral or Multilateral Agency Respondent) “Adapt financing and partnership conditions to the local context, Increase the role of control “Training, coaching, monitoring, and evaluation. Empowerment of women and women's over financing not only from the viewpoint of spending reasons but also the achievement of cooperatives” (Local Government Respondent) the objectives of this financing.” (Civil Society Respondent) “Supporting the health system further. Support for youth groups.” “The WBG must track the money it lends to the government or directly supervise the imports (Government Institutions Respondent) or public works it finances” (Local Government Respondent) “The WBG must also contribute to behavioral change through gender involvement by giving women access to and control over land and facilitating their access to credit, to reduce the “Strictly monitor funds intended for rural areas (agriculture and livestock), Ensure the economic gap between different social classes and combat stereotypes.” mentoring and accompanying of civil society actors as well as human rights actors in (Government Institutions Respondent) Mauritania.” (Private Sector Respondent) Engagement “Create frameworks for consultation and exchange with all stakeholders ('including government) for the development of Maurita nia beyond the portfolio review.” (Government Principal Respondent) “The WBG must work directly with municipalities for local development. In Mauritania, municipalities lack the human resources to be able to develop activities. The WBG must support grass-roots development.” (Civil Society Respondent) “It would be better for the WBG to collaborate much more with professional and university training institutions. Because exchange and freedom are much more accentuated in these circles and the more the work of the GBM would be appreciated in a scientific and effective manner.” (Government Institution Respondent) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its Q effectiveness in Mauritania? (N=191) 30 How can the Bank increase its effectiveness? Open-Ended Responses Build local capacity and better align with Mauritania’s context. Consistently monitoring. Knowledge Operation Effectiveness “To increase its effectiveness in Mauritania, the WBG could focus its efforts on building “The temporality of programs must consider the political agenda in a democracy where fulfilling local capacity in natural resource management by providing technical and financial electoral commitments contributes to prosperity and civil peace.” assistance to local communities so that they can sustainably manage their resources (Private Sector Respondent) and benefit equitably from the economic advantages derived from them.” (Academia Respondent) “The essential thing for the WBG to ensure a minimum level of efficiency is to adapt all programs “…Strengthen the capacities of Mauritania's private sector to create more opportunities and aid provided to local requirements and to guarantee monitoring and control throughout the for wealth creation and employment. Support Mauritania in the environmental field until it process and programs that concern the country.” (Government Institution Respondent) can comply with the Paris Agreement….” (Civil Society Respondent) “The WBG should provide greater technical assistance in the management/processing of raw materials and renewable resources, which require specialized skills that Financial Support Mauritania does not have.” (Government Institution Respondent) “Financing of micro-projects, Training, Financing of local communities, Education.” (Academia Respondent) “Go into the field, make observations before financing and supervising projects.” “improve living conditions for Mauritanians by increasing investment in the country (Government Institution Respondent) (Government Institution Respondent) “The WBG must invest in rational water management and the financing of irrigation solution “The World Bank should open access to the program and hire engineers and talents to projects, through water collection and control).” (Government Institution Respondent) achieve results by gaining experience, framing employees in government sectors, and training some of them by opening training courses for them in their respective fields.” (Private Sector Respondent) Communication “1) Organize an awareness-raising workshop in Mauritania on the role of the WBG in “The World Bank must contact the press in order to raise awareness among the population about developing countries. the role the WBG plays in a country (in the areas of education, health, agriculture, livestock and in 2) Provide private-sector-oriented skills training in fields useful to human vital sectors)…” (Bilateral or Multilateral Agency Respondent) development….” (Private Sector Respondent) “Increase communication about the WBG's support and projects in Mauritania. The Bank must ensure that civil society is involved as a stakeholder in all projects to ensure transparency and accountability. (Civil Society Respondent) In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its Q effectiveness in Mauritania? (N=191) 31 32 Communication and Outreach “Working with the media and promoting open government.” (Media Respondent) “The World Bank must contact the press in order to raise awareness among the population about the role the WBG plays in a country (in the areas of education, health, agriculture, livestock and in vital sectors)…” (Local Government Respondent) “Increase communication about the WBG's support and projects in Mauritania. The Bank must ensure that civil society is involved as a stakeholder in all projects to ensure transparency and accountability.” (Civil Society Respondent) Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in Mauritania? (N=191) Direct Contact with Staff was Most Preferred for Receiving WBG Communications Respondents most preferred to receive WBG’s communications through direct contact with staff, e-newsletters, and direct messaging. Preferred WBG Source Office of the Bilateral All President / PM / Government Local /Multilateral Private Respondents Minister Institutions Government Agency CSOs Sector Academia Media Direct contact with staff (e.g., in 41.9% 21.4% 43.8% 52.4% 66.7% 63.0% 35.8% 33.3% 16.7% person, virtually, phone, email) e-Newsletters 37.5% 64.3% 38.4% 42.9% 41.7% 26.1% 24.5% 25.0% 50.0% Direct messaging (e.g., 36.5% 21.4% 27.4% 38.1% 33.3% 34.8% 52.8% 58.3% 38.9% WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) Event / conference / seminar / 31.4% 35.7% 30.1% 38.1% 8.3% 34.8% 24.5% 29.2% 50.0% workshop (in person or online) Social media (e.g., Facebook, 30.3% 28.6% 31.5% 23.8% 8.3% 23.9% 41.5% 37.5% 33.3% Twitter) Other 2.2% 0.0% 2.7% 0.0% 16.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% How would you prefer to receive communication from the WBG? (Select up to 2) Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=277) *Significant difference between stakeholder groups 33 Nearly 6 in 10 Recall Information about the WBG Recently, most often through Television 57% of respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WBG recently. Respondents most often reported seeing/hearing about the WBG through television, followed by social media. Television (TV) 54% Social media 44% WBG websites 39% Event / conference / seminar (in 38% person or online) No Do you recall Direct contact with WBG staff 32% 43% seeing or hearing Radio 32% High for local anything about government (60%) the WBG Yes 57% Newspapers (print or online) 30% recently? Direct messaging 23% e-Newsletters 13% Blogs 6% Podcasts 6% Other 4% Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG recently? (N=265) Q Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Select all that apply) (Percentage of Respondents, N=151) 34 WBG Work on Food Security was the Most Commonly Recalled Topics Food security 56% Respondents most frequently recalled WBG’s work Climate change 48% or research on food security, followed closely by Ending poverty in developing countries 46% climate change, ending poverty in developing countries, and human capital. Human capital (education, health) 46% Women empowerment 39% ▪ Government principal respondents were significantly more likely to recall WBG work on Job creation / employment 38% climate change (78%) than respondents from Youth development 35% other stakeholder groups. Natural resource management (e.g., fisheries, 32% mining, oil, and gas) Pandemic preparedness 31% Debt relief for developing countries 22% WBG economic forecasts 20% Digital economy 19% Security (i.e., Sahel geopolitical context) 18% Changes to the WBG financial and operational 12% model Other 7% What topics were included in what you saw or heard about WBG’s work or research? (Select all that apply) 35 Q (Percentage of Respondents, N=147) Climate Change Communications Can be More Impactful when Related to Stakeholders’ Top Concerns: Frequent and Severe Droughts More than half of the respondents were very concerned about the more frequent and severe droughts and land and forest degradation regarding the potential impacts of climate change in Mauritania. Decreased water availability and loss of jobs were also of great concern to respondents. These key areas of concern should be considered to make communications about climate change more impactful. Very concerned Somewhat concerned A little concerned Not concerned at all More frequent and severe droughts 55% Land and forest degradation 51% Decreased water availability / quality 49% Loss of jobs 48% Decreased crop yields / increased food insecurity 46% Increased erosion of shoreline 42% Extinction of plant / animal species 40% More frequent and severe heatwaves 39% Climate-driven migration 38% More frequent and severe floods 38% Coastal flooding due to sea level rise 37% More frequent and intense wildfires 34% Air pollution 34% Q How concerned are you about the following potential impacts of climate change in Mauritania? (Percentage of Respondents, N=~265) 36 Message Recall Increases Familiarity and Leads to More Positive Perceptions of the WBG and its Work 5.8 Familiarity with the WBG* 3.7 7.2 Effective in helping Mauritania achieve development results 6.7 Do you recall seeing or hearing anything 7.0 about the WBG Relevant role in development recently? 6.3 6.8 Yes Aligned with development priorities 6.1 No 6.8 Trust the WBG to do what is right for Mauritania* 5.9 6.7 Positive influence on shaping development policy 6.2 6.2 The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Mauritania 6.1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating These findings suggest that respondents who are more frequently exposed to information about the WBG, or who actively engage with WBG staff and knowledge work (read research papers, etc.) are also more likely to hold more positive views about the WBG’s work. How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in Mauritania? Scale: 1 Not familiar at all – 10 Extremely familiar How much do you trust the WBG to do what is right for Mauritania? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much Q Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree: The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Mauritania. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping the development policy in Mauritania. The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development pri orities for Mauritania. 37 How effective is the WBG in helping Mauritania achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective 38 Sample Demographics and Detailed Methodology Sample Demographics What is the primary specialization Do you of your work? (N=274) collaborate/work with the World Bank Yes Private sector development / trade 16% Group (WBG) 30% Education 15% in Mauritania? Public sector governance 9% (N=303) Other 8% Government institution respondents No were significantly more likely to Agriculture and food security 8% indicate that they collaborate with the 70% WBG Generalist (specialize in multiple sectors) 8% (47%) whereas respondents from academia were significantly less likely Health / pandemic preparedness 7% to collaborate with the WBG (10%). Environment / natural resource management 4% Macroeconomics, fiscal / debt management 4% ICSID, 2% Gender equity 4% MIGA IFC 5% Which of the 6% Legal / human rights 3% following WBG Digital development 3% agencies do you Urban development 3% collaborate/work with in Mauritania? Social protection 3% (N=94) Energy 3% Percentages equal more than 100% World Bank Transport 1% because respondents could choose multiple agencies within the WBG. (IDA) Climate change 1% 95% Water / sanitation <1% 39 Sample Demographics (continued) What’s your age? (N=286) Prefer not to specify, 1% 25 or younger 6% 26-35 20% Female 27% 36-45 24% What is your gender? 46-55 27% (N=283) 56 and above 20% Male 72% Prefer not to specify 2% Nouakchott 67% South and Senegal 26% Which best represents River Region your geographic location? (N=276) North Region 5% West Region 2% 40 Detailed Methodology Percentage of Respondents FY 2021 FY 2024 From January to March 2024, a total of 692 stakeholders in Mauritania were invited to Government Principals: Office of the provide their opinions on the WBG’s work by participating in a Country Opinion Survey (COS). President, Prime Minister, Minister, 11% 7% A list of potential participants was compiled by the WBG country team and the field agency. Parliamentarian Participants were drawn from the Offices of the President, Prime Minister, Minister, and Government Institutions: Employee of a Parliament, government institutions, local governments, bilateral or multilateral agencies, the Ministry, Department, Project Implementation 26% 28% private sector, civil society, academia, and the media. Unit, Independent Government Institution, Judiciary, State-Owned Enterprise Of these stakeholders, 320 participated in the survey (46% response rate). Respondents Local Government 7% 7% completed the questionnaire via an online platform or during face-to-face interviews with fielding agency representatives, or they received the questionnaires through courier and Bilateral/Multilateral Agency: Embassy, returned them accordingly. Development Organization, Development 5% 4% Bank, UN Agency The results of this year’s survey were compared to the FY21 Survey with a response Civil Society Organization: Local and rate of 70% (N=348). regional NGOs, Community-Based Organization, Private Foundation, 20% 15% Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflects changes in attitudes over time but Professional/Trade Association, also changes in respondent samples, changes in methodology, and changes to the survey Faith-Based Group, Youth Group instrument itself. To reduce the influence of the latter factor, only those questions with similar Private Sector: Private Company, Financial response scales/options were analyzed. These differences in stakeholder composition Sector Organization, Private Bank 18% 20% between the two years should be considered when interpreting the results of the past-year comparison analyses. Academia/Research Center 11% 9% Key statistically significant findings (tested at the research standard of p < .05) are noted Media 3% 7% throughout the report. Other 0% 3% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “Mauritania COS FY24 Appendices with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Microdata Total Number of Respondents 314 320 Library, along with the survey microdata and this report. Q What is your primary professional affiliation? (Select only 1 response) 41 Indicator Questions Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions, several of which are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard and are highlighted in red below. A1_5. How much do you trust the World Bank Group to do what is right for Mauritania? Scale: 1 Not at all – 10 Very much A2. How effective is the World Bank Group in helping Mauritania achieve development results? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective A3. How significant a contribution do you believe the WBG's knowledge work make to development results in Mauritania? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree A4. The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in Mauritania. A5. The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for Mauritania. A6. The WBG has a positive influence on shaping development policy in Mauritania. A7. The WBG’s work helps end poverty in Mauritania To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in terms of each of the following? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C1_1. Responsiveness to needs in Mauritania C1_2. Access to WBG staff and experts C1_3. Flexibility when circumstances change in Mauritania C1_5. Being a long-term partner to Mauritania To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in Mauritania, in terms of collaborating with the following groups? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C2_1. National government C2_4. Private sector C2_5. Civil society C2_6. Other development partners To what extent do you agree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree C4_1. The WBG’s financial instruments (i.e., loans, credits, grants, trust funds) meet the needs of Mauritania. C4_3. The WBG provides financial support in a timely manner. C6_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work in Mauritania. C6_4. The WBG’s knowledge work is tailored to Mauritania’s context. 42 Thank you For more information about this report or the Country Opinion Survey program, please contact: countrysurveys@worldbankgroup.org