West and Central Africa
West and Central Africa is heavily dependent on subsistence agriculture, with low productivity and food insecurity affecting nearly 50% of the population. Rapid urban growth has led to inadequate infrastructure and sanitation, causing land degradation and water pollution.
The region is highly vulnerable to climate change. Increasing temperatures, accompanied by erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells and floods, are likely to reduce crop yields with serious implications for food security at a time of significant population growth: West Africa’s population of over 400 million is set to more than double by 2050.
IWMI in West and Central Africa
IWMI works closely with countries in the Economic Community of West African States and regional initiatives to respond to water challenges and priorities. Our partners include national and local governments, research institutes, universities, private sector enterprises, civil society and nongovernmental organizations, farmer associations and development organizations.
IWMI’s work in West and Central Africa focuses on improving water management, agricultural resilience, and climate adaptation. Through initiatives like AICCRA, IWMI helps farmers adapt to climate impacts and improve productivity.
IWMI also enhances irrigation and mechanization through innovation labs for small-scale irrigation, boosting agricultural productivity in water-scarce regions. Digital tools like DIWASA optimize water use, while policy advocacy and social research promote sustainable practices and equitable access to resources. These efforts contribute to building resilience and food security in the region.
Regional representative
Contact
For work related to West and Central Africa, please contact our regional office in Ghana.
Get updates
Be the first to know about IWMI research, data, events, and news.
Latest West and Central Africa news
Nothing is waste, only misplaced resources
Why investing in women is the smartest water decision Africa can make
Digital innovations for community impact across Africa
IRRILINE: How does Farmerline support me in making decisions on irrigation?
Latest West and Central Africa publications
Comparing Bias Adjustment Methods for CMIP6 Extreme Precipitation Projections in the San-Pédro River Basin (Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa)
Co-Designing Scaling Pathways for Solar Irrigation Technology Ownership in Nigeria: Household Survey/Discrete Choice Experiment
Multi-Stakeholder Validation Workshop: Preferences, Financing Models, and Scaling Pathways for Solar-Based Irrigation in Northern Nigeria