One main characteristic of agriculture in West Africa is the low-productivity of the land and water resources. As water managed areas represent only 2.6 % of the cultivated areas, this is compounded by over reliance on irregular and unreliable rainfall for agricultural production. Given the variations in climate experienced in recent years, the future livelihood of smallholder farmers, particularly in the Sahel, is under increasing threat. Therefore, sustainable land management and reliable water control are a priority.

The current focus of the field programme on natural resources in West Africa is on viable and sustainable small-scale agricultural water development projects, designed for the greatest impacts on poverty alleviation and local food security in the framework of the Special Programmes for Food Security and the National Food Security Programmes. Click here for a list of projects carried out in West Africa

In arid and semi-arid areas of West Africa, countries need to focus on the efficient use of all water sources and on enhancing the water productivity for attaining maximum economic and social returns in both rural areas and peri-urban areas. Available options include

• Small-scale irrigation;


• Safe use of wastewater for irrigated agriculture in urban and peri-urban areas;


• Multiple uses of water such as Integrated irrigation-aquaculture;


• Runoff farming and soil moisture management in rainfed agriculture.

We welcome APOs, volunteers and students willing to contribute in the framework of our activities.

Send us example of success stories if you have contributed to our work in the sub-region. For instance, Thierno Oumar Diallo, a guinean student, has contributed to the topographical studies of over 300 ha of inland valley bottoms in Guinea using advanced GPS technologies.