West Africa
West Africa is the poorest region on the continent. Heavily dependent on subsistence agriculture, the region is plagued by low levels of productivity and food insecurity stands at nearly 50%. Massive migration from rural to urban areas is currently underway – particularly involving young men – and it is expected that 63% of West Africans will live in cities by 2050. Rapid urban expansion has left cities with inadequate infrastructure and sanitation services, causing land degradation and water pollution. It has also given rise to an increasing ‘feminization’ of agriculture, which is complicated by persistent inequity in women’s access to and control of productive assets. 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 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 strategy is centered around three strategic programs — Water, Food and Ecosystems; Water, Climate Change and Resilience; and Water, Growth and Inclusion — each supported by high-quality science and digital innovation.
Regional representative
Contact
For work related to West Africa, please contact our regional office in Ghana.
Get updates
Subscribe to receive email updates on our work in West Africa.
Follow the IWMI in Ghana WhatsApp channel.
Latest West Africa publications
Discover Sustainability, 2024
More... [DOI] | Fulltext (2.80 MB)
Geocarto International, 2024
More... [DOI] | Fulltext (3.36 MB)
2024
More... [DOI]
Discover Sustainability, 2024
More... [DOI] | Fulltext (13.8 MB)