CGIAR Initiative Impacts Farmers In West/Central Africa, Boost Agricultural Productivity 

The first phase of the programme through its focus areas of enhancing climate smart agriculture, strengthening value chains and fostering regional collaboration was able to help farmers navigate issues around climate change and market access.

The CGIAR Continental Director for Africa who was represented by the Advisor Regional and Continental Engagement of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture Dr. Kehinde Makinde speaking at the ongoing Annual/Wrap up workshop said the first phase of 3 years of the programme has witnessed remarkable strides.

He said the introduction of good agronomic to farmers in Nigeria, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire was able to help farmers better adapt to realities of Climate Change.

“Through the introduction of improved crop varieties, water-efficient practices, and integrated pest management, we have helped thousands of farmers in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire adopt sustainable agricultural practices that are better adapted to the realities of a changing climate”.

On the issue of value chains, Dr. Kehinde said the programme was able to link farmers to market and introduce them to value addition activities for better incomes and economic stability.

“We have connected farmers to markets and improved value-added activities, particularly in staples like cassava, maize, and vegetables. This has enabled smallholder farmers to capture a greater share of the value from their produce, ensuring better incomes and economic stability”.

While acknowledging the importance of collaboration and private sector support, he said the collaboration with different partners, including CORAF, icipe, World Vegetable Center, and various private sector actors, has been key to the successes of the Initiative.

“Through shared knowledge, joint research, and technology transfer, we have collectively built a robust platform for agricultural transformation in West and Central Africa”.

 The West and Central African Food Systems Transformation (CGIAR) 2024 annual and wrap up workshop on the Regional Integrated Initiative Transforming Agrifood Systems in West and Central Africa (TAFS-WCA) programme is currently ongoing in Abuja Nigeria’s capital.

The 4 days workshop aims to discuss completed and ongoing activities of the Initiative, assess and summarize the achievements of the three years of implementation, Organised roundtable with the partners of the Initiative for informing,sharing of experiences, and synergy towards impact at scale.