Millet and sorghum were Mauritania's principal crops, followed by rice and corn. Before the 1980s, millet and sorghum accounted for 70 to 80 % or more of total grain production. Rice production in the 1970s averaged 5 to 10 %, and corn made up 10 to 25 %. In the 1980s, rice production grew in importance, as national planning emphasized irrigated agriculture and a change in dietary habits.

In the 1980s, the government put increased emphasis on developing the rural sector. Government planning strategy under the 1985-88 Economic Recovery Program placed the highest priority on rural development. Particular attention was to be paid to upgrading existing land and developing new irrigated farming and flood recession agriculture. There were also plans involving Mauritania, Mali, and Senegal to integrate rural development and water and flood control through the Senegal River Development Office as the massive Diama and Manantali dams became fully operational.