Building half-moon basins to stop drought in Namaro, Niger. Credit: FSRP-Niger.
Food insecurity in West Africa is at a critical juncture, with over 34.4 million people facing a severe food crisis. Agriculture and livestock, which contribute 40% of the region’s GDP, are under threat from three major shocks. First, rising conflict and insecurity have displaced over 12 million people, putting strain on emergency food systems. In addition, economic disruptions such as high inflation (up to 50%), trade barriers, and rising agricultural input costs are crippling livelihoods. Lastly, extreme weather events are having a devastating effect, with erratic rainfall and droughts impacting the 80% of the population living in arid or semi-arid areas.
In response, the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) stands out as a transformative initiative. Jointly supported by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Permanent Inter-States Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), and the West and Central Council for Agriculture Research and Development (CORAF) alongside participating countries, FSRP aims to strengthen food system resilience through three main actions: 1) Using digital tools to prevent food crises; 2) Promoting agricultural and resource management approaches that are sustainable and good for the environment; and 3) Improving regional trade integration to enhance market for agricultural goods.
Aligned with ECOWAS Common Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP), the World Bank’s Great Green Wall Initiatives (GGWI), and the Next Generation Africa Climate Business Program (ACBP), FSRP targets over 5 million beneficiaries, 40% of whom are women.
Flexibility in Crisis Responses
FSRP also provides flexibility to address immediate crises. Through its Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC), countries can swiftly reallocate funds for emergencies like drought or floods. Togo, Ghana, and Sierra Leone have already activated this window. In addition, countries also benefit from input distribution such as improved seeds or fertilizers. However, balancing short-term response with long-term resilience planning remains a key challenge.
The Vision Behind FSRP
The West Africa FSRP tackles systemic risks such as productivity loss related to adverse weather events, weak trade systems, and environmental degradation through structural reforms aligned with national food security and agriculture plans.
Using a Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) that allows countries to structure large, complex engagements as a set of smaller linked operations, the FSRP will ensure phased implementation and regional alignment. The first phase of the program includes Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Togo. The second phase includes Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Chad. The third face includes Senegal, with potential future expansions.
A Glimpse into Success: Key Results
In arid or semi-arid landscapes, farmers faced the daily uncertainty of unpredictable weather, which often spelled disaster for their crops. With the installation of 16 Hydromet stations under CILSS, the tides are turning. These stations now provide real-time weather updates and early warning, empowering farmers to make informed decisions about planting, harvesting, and water management.
At recent Markets of Agricultural Technologies and Innovations (MITA) expo organized by the CORAF, over 272 tools and technologies were showcased. These tools were designed to address real-world challenges faced by smallholder farmers. Of these, 58 technologies have already been adopted by participating FSRP countries, offering tangible solutions for climate smart sustainable farming.
Regional trade integration has also unlocked new possibilities. A Regional Rice Roadmap, developed under ECOWAS leadership, is helping West African countries reduce their dependence on rice imports. Trade barriers that once slowed food movement across borders are being replaced with harmonized sanitary and phytosanitary measures. For a farmer in Togo, this means their surplus rice can now reach markets in Niger or Mali more easily, ensuring fair prices and reducing food waste.
At the national level, the program has made significant progress in restoring degraded landscapes and boosting sustainable agricultural practices. Over 100,000 hectares under Sustainable Landscape Management (SLM) in Togo, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Sierra Leone. More than 880,000 producers have adopted Climate-Smart Agricultural (CSA) technologies, driving sustainable productivity in Phase 1 countries.
Impact Stories: Empowering Communities
Across West Africa, FSRP is not just transforming agriculture – it’s transforming lives. The program is helping communities take control of their food futures and unlock new opportunities for growth and resilience.
- Boosting Rice Production with Smart Valleys Technology: To reduce dependency on rice imports, FSRP partnered with the Togolese Rice Trade Association to implement Smart Valleys Technology nationwide. This lowland management system retains rainwater and prevents fertilizer loss from flooding, leading to significantly higher yields.
- Restoring Degraded Land while Creating Jobs: Niger has restored 2,320 hectares of land through Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) and Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR), creating jobs for sixteen local communities, with more than 40% women involved. The goal is to expand to 12,200 hectares and reach 600,000 beneficiaries (See more).
Conclusion: Toward a Resilient Food Future
The West Africa FSRP illustrates how innovative, collaborative solutions can tackle food insecurity’s root causes. By prioritizing resilience, sustainability, and integration, the program is not just addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for a food-secure future.
As we look ahead, scaling up these interventions and fostering greater regional cooperation will be key to ensuring lasting impacts for millions across West Africa.
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