CGIAR Initiative on West and Central African Food Systems Transformation

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/117895

Part of the CGIAR Action Area on Resilient Agrifood Systems

Primary CGIAR impact area: Nutrition, health and food security

https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/22-market-driven-resilient-and-nutritious-agrifood-systems-in-the-humid-zones-of-west-and-central-africa/

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 221

Les NUS : Une solution stratégique pour la résilience et le développement du Sahel
(Brief, 2026-02-05) Borelli, Teresa; Sana, Halizata
Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) are nutrient-rich, climate-adapted crops that can play a key role in strengthening food security, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods in the Sahel. This policy brief outlines how integrating NUS into agroecological farming systems, public policies, and markets can address malnutrition, environmental degradation, and rural unemployment, while supporting biodiversity and sustainable development goals. Les espèces négligées et sous-utilisées (NUS) sont des cultures riches en nutriments et adaptées au climat sahélien, offrant un fort potentiel pour renforcer la sécurité alimentaire, la résilience climatique et les moyens de subsistance ruraux. Cette note d’orientation montre comment l’intégration des NUS dans l’agroécologie, les politiques publiques et les marchés peut répondre à la malnutrition, à la dégradation des terres et au chômage rural, tout en soutenant la biodiversité et le développement durable.
Digital behaviour change ecosystems for sustainable innovation
(Journal Article, 2026-01-03) Ofosu-Ampong, Kingsley; Martey, Edward; Renner-Micah, Anthony
This paper presents a systematic review of the literature on digital behaviour change ecosystems (DBCE) in the context of sustainable innovation. The concept of digital behaviour change ecosystem is gaining increasing attention across multiple domains, including agriculture, information systems, health, and environmental management. This emerging paradigm requires research institutions and organizations to design their digital models around innovative digital behaviour change ecosystems that contribute to organisational value while mitigating risks associated with opportunistic practices. However, research examining how agricultural business models and digital ecosystems can be designed to foster behavioural change toward sustainability remains fragmented and underdeveloped. Building on this premise, we identify DBCE trends, the methodological landscape, theoretical underpinnings, four thematic areas and future research direction. . Through this analysis, we seek to advance understanding of how digital ecosystems can be strategically designed to promote sustainable behavioural change within agricultural contexts and beyond.
Scaling of cover- and inter-crops for soil health restoration in coffee and banana systems of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo – Activity report
(Report, 2025-12-31) Ocimati, Walter; Ntamwira, Jules; Katera, Issa; Shabani, Gabriel; Kitumaini, Nancy Safari; Blomme, Guy
Integration of the leguminous velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) cover crop in coffee and banana systems
(Video, 2025-12-30) Ntamwira, Jules Bagula; Kitumaini, Nancy Safari; Blomme, Guy; Katera Claude, Issa; Ocimati, Walter
Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) and greenleaf desmodium (Desmodium intortum) cover crops have been shown to contribute to improve soil health [e.g. increase soil earthworm populations, soil aeration) and restore farm productivity and incomes. These cover crops are shade- and drought-tolerant, fast-growing and fix nitrogen into the soils. The high biomass reduces soil erosion, moderate soil temperature and moisture, and reduce weed burden on farm. These cover crops are currently being scaled in eastern DR Congo, covering over 80 ha of smallholder coffee systems and benefiting over 8000 individuals. This video captures success stories due to the use of the cover crops on station and on farm in eastern DR Congo and will serve as a tool for transforming the mindset of farmers during scaling of the innovation. The video is an updated version of a similar video [https://youtu.be/7yiAo1vgcUY] prepared in 2024.
Effectiveness of bundling climate information and climate smart agriculture for resilience and climate risk management in Ghana.
(Report, 2025-12-15) Mvuyibwami, Patrick; Kagabo, Desire M.; Mudasumbwa, Angelique; Eitzinger, Anton; Yeboah, Stephen; Ouedraogo, Mathieu; Byandaga, Livingstone; Rutwaza, Marie Mediatrice Mujawimana; Mutoni, Carolle; Dalaa, Mustapha
Ideal velvet bean seed processing for human consumption
(Brief, 2025-11) Katera Claude, Issa; Ntamwira, Jules; Blomme, Guy; Kitumaini, Nancy Safari; Shabani, Gabriel; Ocimati, Walter
Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens), in addition to improving soil health, holds great promise for improving food security, and livestock feed in small-scale farming systems in Africa. However, its seeds contain anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), primarily L-Dopa, which must be reduced to safe levels before human or animal consumption. This factsheet outlines recommended seed processing methods that are practical and effective for small-scale, resource-poor farmers
Nitrogen-fixing cover crops and shrubs and a fast-growing grass restore degraded soils and coffee yields.
(Poster, 2025-12-15) Ntamwira, Jules; Ocimati, Walter; Shabani, Gabriel; Kitumaini Safari, Nancy; Blomme, Guy
Co-creating scaling pathways and roadmap for Fall Armyworm (FAW) and striga early warning system in Rwanda
(Report, 2025-11-30) Mvuyibwami, Patrick; M. Kagabo, Desire; Musana, Bernard; Rutwaza, Mediatrice; Mukayiranga, Agnes; Hategekimana, Athanase; Bizimana, Celestin; Mumba, Djonga John; Sokame, Mawuko B.; Byandaga, Livingstone; Mutoni, Carolle; Mudasumbwa, Angelique; Ouedraogo, Mathieu
Challenges and Opportunities forInternational Indigenous Adaptation Network
(Presentation, 2025-10-24) Worou, Nadine
This presentation highlights the central role of indigenous peoples and pastoral communities in climate adaptation, emphasising climate justice and sovereignty as conditions for effectiveness and equity. It describes how integrating local knowledge with Western science strengthens resilience: land restoration, marking transhumance corridors, reducing farmer-herder conflicts, income-generating activities, and disseminating climate advisories in local languages through local channels. The experience of the Community of Practice in Senegal (co-production of agro-climatic advice for livestock farming, hosted by national institutions) and pastoral practices in Kenya illustrates measurable impacts (e.g. reduced livestock mortality during droughts). The presentation also analyses structural barriers to access to finance (complex procedures, low recognition of knowledge, land tenure insecurity, overly short financing periods) and calls for adapted, longer-term mechanisms rooted in indigenous knowledge systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP)
(Report, 2025-09-29) International Livestock Research Institute; Network of Farmers' and Pastoral Organizations of Senegal (RESOPP)
This Environment and Social Management Pan (ESMP) has been developed to clarify (i) the measures that will be taken during the implementation of project activities to eliminate or offset adverse E&S impacts, or to reduce them to acceptable levels; and (ii) actions needed to implement these measures during the implementation of the Accelerating Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project activities in Senegal during the Additional Financing (AF). The purpose of this ESMP is to consider and develop proper measures to decrease the possibility of environmental degradation during all phases of the project AF, and to provide clearly defined action plans and emergency response procedures to account for human and environmental health and safety in accordance with the requirements of Senegalese laws and the objectives of the World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) : ESS-1: Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts ESS-2: Labor and Working Conditions ESS-3: Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management ESS-4: Community Health and Safety ESS-6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources. The ESMP will cover the additional phase of the Project. It is a living document, which will be updated and re-disclosed as and when new risks are identified, or field activities are expanded. Ce Plan de Gestion Environnementale et Sociale (PGES) a été élaboré pour clarifier : (i) les mesures qui seront prises lors de la mise en œuvre des activités du projet pour éliminer ou compenser les impacts environnementaux et sociaux négatifs, ou pour les réduire à des niveaux acceptables ; et (ii) les actions nécessaires pour mettre en œuvre ces mesures pendant la mise en œuvre des activités du projet "Accélérer l'impact de la recherche climatique du CGIAR pour l'Afrique" (AICCRA) au Senegal dans le cadre du Financement Additionnel (FA). L'objectif de ce PGES est d'examiner et de développer des mesures appropriées pour réduire la possibilité de dégradation de l'environnement à toutes les phases du projet FA, et de fournir des plans d'action et des procédures d'intervention d'urgence clairement définis afin de tenir compte de la santé et de la sécurité environnementales et humaines conformément aux exigences des lois senegalaise et aux objectifs des Normes Environnementales et Sociales (NES) de la Banque mondiale : - NES-1 : Évaluation et gestion des risques et impacts environnementaux et sociaux - NES-2 : Conditions de travail et d'emploi - NES-3 : Efficacité des ressources et prévention et gestion de la pollution - NES-4 : Santé et sécurité communautaires - NES-6 : Conservation de la biodiversité et gestion durable des ressources naturelles vivantes. Le PGES couvrira la phase supplémentaire du projet. Il s'agit d'un document évolutif, qui sera mis à jour et re-divulgué lorsque de nouveaux risques seront identifiés ou que les activités sur le terrain seront étendues.
Insight for sustainable supplemental irrigation development for cocoa in changing Ghana’s agroforestry landscapes
(Journal Article, 2025-12) Tilahun, Seifu A.; Amponsah, Andoh; Atampugre, Gerald; Zemadim, Birhanu; Dembélé, Moctar; Darko, S.; Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe; Cofie, Olufunke O.
Cocoa production in Ghana faces challenges from climate change and land use dynamics, necessitating sustainable intensification through supplemental irrigation. However, the availability of water resources for irrigation remains underexplored in Ghana’s agroforestry landscapes. This study assesses the potential of water resources for irrigation and impacts of land use and climate changes in the moist semi-deciduous agroforestry-dominated Upper Offin basin. Using Landsat images, the study analyzed land use patterns, hydro-climatic trends (1981–2022), and water balance based on rainfall and evapotranspiration. Findings reveal that streamflow represents only 10% of average annual rainfall (1333 mm), with subsurface flow predominating. Annual actual evapotranspiration (AET) accounts for 85% of rainfall, while deep percolation offers additional water potential. Shallow groundwater could irrigate 10% of the area during the 5-month dry season, doubling with deep percolation. Land use changes threaten this potential, as forest areas declined while cropland and grassland expanded (2008–2021), associated highly with the alteration of water balance components. Although rainfall remained stable, rising temperatures could increase cocoa water demand. AET declined over time, correlating with FAO-WaPOR data, while streamflow increased during the observed period (1986–2012). The study recommends groundwater supplemental irrigation systems for sustainable cocoa farming in Ghana and similar agroforestry regions, addressing climate and land use challenges effectively.
Hydrological implications of supplemental irrigation in cocoa production using SWAT model: insights from the Upper Offin Sub-Basin, Ghana
(Journal Article, 2025-07) Assefa, T. T.; Gbodji, Kekeli Kofi; Atampugre, Gerald; Loh, Y. S. A.; Bayissa, Y.; Tilahun, Seifu A.
The cocoa production in Ghana, largely reliant on rainfall and undertaken by smallholder farmers, is increasingly endangered by climate change-induced water scarcity. Although supplemental irrigation has been posited as an adaptive measure, its hydrological impacts remain understudied. This current study seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by employing the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to evaluate the hydrological and water resource implications of supplemental irrigation within the Upper Offin sub-basin of Ghana. High-resolution spatial data and field survey inputs were used to model dry period baseline and irrigation scenarios for cocoa farms with gentle slopes (2%). The results reveal that supplemental irrigation from the shallow aquifer can sustainably support irrigation for up to 5% of the cocoa area (4760 ha) without adversely affecting groundwater flow. Extending irrigation to 30% of the cocoa area (28,540 ha) is feasible with minimal reduction in catchment water yield. This study’s novelty lies in integrating high-resolution data with localized management practices to provide actionable insights for balancing cocoa productivity and water sustainability. The findings offer practical recommendations for policymakers, emphasizing that through solar-powered irrigation the shallow groundwater is a pathway to enhance climate resilience of cocoa productivity.
Evaluating irrigation and fertilizer strategies for sustainable forage productivity and improved nitrogen efficiency in the sub-humid highlands of Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2025-10) Taye, C.W.; Hussein, Misbah A.; Ayalew, A.D.; Assefa, T.T.; Fohrer, N.; Riga, Fikadu T.; Derseh, Melkamu B.; Adie, Aberra; Tilahun, Seifu A.
Livestock productivity in Ethiopia is hampered by the limited quantity and quality of feed, largely due to lack of knowledge on the possibility of irrigating forage with good agronomic practices by the development agents, which are further exacerbated by climate variability and resource constraints. This study investigated the effects of irrigation levels, fertilizer types and rates, and forage varieties on nitrogen productivity and residual soil nitrogen (RSN) in Robit-Bata Kebele, Ethiopia. A 3×3×7 factorial design was used, including three irrigation levels (60, 80, and 100% of total available soil water), three fertilizer rates (organic manure at 30 t ha⁻¹ and urea at 100 and 300 kg ha⁻¹), and seven perennial forages (four grasses and three legumes). Over two years (2021–2022), data on dry matter yield (DMY), nitrogen uptake (NU), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), RSN, and nitrogen surplus (NS) were collected. Full irrigation (I100) yielded the highest DMY (8.7 t ha⁻¹), NU (131.2 kg ha⁻¹), and NUE (46 kg kg⁻¹), and lowest NS (18.9 kg ha⁻¹), although deficit irrigation (I80) resulted in similar (p>0.05) DMY, NU, NUE, and NS. Napier grass ILRI-16791 with 300 kg ha⁻¹ urea achieved the highest DMY (20.7 tha⁻¹) and NU (259.2 kg ha⁻¹), while 100 kg ha⁻¹ urea maximized NUE (138.8 kg kg⁻¹) and minimized NS (-168.8 kg ha⁻¹). Deficit irrigation (I80) combined with manure and Napier grass ILRI-16791 is recommended for optimal productivity and environmental sustainability. This study provides novel insights into site-specific, climate-responsive nutrient and water management strategies for public development agents to support smallholder forage production systems. Future studies should assess economic feasibility and integrated manure-urea applications to enhance soil health and NUE.
Malnutrition and violent conflict in a heating world: A mediation analysis on the climate–conflict nexus in Nigeria
(Journal Article, 2025-05-12) Belli, Anna; Villa, Victor; Mastrorillo, Marina; Scognamillo, Antonio; Song, Chun; Ignaciuk, Adriana; Pacillo, Grazia
Climate variability is increasingly gaining recognition as a factor exacerbating risks to peace in Africa, particularly in contexts characterized by weak institutions and fragile agri-food systems. Existing literature has highlighted the intricate indirect pathways that can lead to increasing conflicts following a climatic shock, including reduced agricultural yields, increased food insecurity, and other socio-economic channels that are highly context-specific as well as difficult to quantify. This study investigates the nexus between climate variability (proxied by temperature anomalies) and violent conflicts as mediated by child acute malnutrition in Nigeria. Starting from previous quantitative analyses that implicitly assumed the existence of a singular transmission pathway linking climate variability to conflict, this study employs a structural equation model that accommodates the presence of multiple, albeit unobserved, mediating factors. In doing so, it pioneers the use of children’s nutritional indicators as mediating factors to capture the multidimensional nature of the climate–conflict relationship. The novel approach proposed for this analysis increases the accuracy of estimating the indirect impacts of climate variability on conflict, as mediated by child nutritional outcomes, and contributes to the literature linked to the humanitarian, development and peace nexus. From a policy perspective, our findings aim to inform and support identifying policies and interventions aimed at mitigating the threat posed by climate variability to human security through the nutrition channel.
Implications of changes in water stress and precipitation extremes for cocoa production in Côte D’Ivoire and Ghana
(Journal Article, 2025-07) Obahoundje, Salomon; Akpoti, Komlavi; Zwart, Sander J.; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Cofie, Olufunke O.
Climate change induces high variability in drought patterns and extreme precipitation indices in rainfed cocoa farming, impacting cocoa production. This study evaluated water stress, meteorological and agricultural drought conditions, and critical extreme precipitation indices in the world's two largest cocoa-producing nations from 1981 to 2022. The results revealed a significant reduction in total annual precipitation (PRCPTOT), in the last three decades, with the greatest decline in the 1991–2000 and 2011–2022 periods. Ghana experienced the most significant reduction up to 15% (200mm/year) in the last decade, attributed to a substantial decrease in wet days number (RR1) up to 25days per year, a reduction in maximum consecutive wet days (CWD) up to 6days per year, and an increase in maximum consecutive dry days (CDD) up to 15days per year. Moreover, there was a notable decline in the Simple Daily Intensity Index (SDII), with reductions of up to 4mm/day in certain areas, contributing to increased drought frequency, severity, and duration. In the most recent decade (2011–2022), particularly during the extremely dry years of 2013 and 2015, cocoa-growing regions in Ghana (GHA) and eastern Côte d'Ivoire (CIV) experienced prolonged agricultural drought expressed by soil moisture deficit, typically extending from May to September. Additionally, large portions of central and eastern Ghana, as well as northeastern Côte d'Ivoire experienced sustained water stress, with over three consecutive months of total monthly precipitation falling below 100mm, negatively impacting cocoa productivity. The decrease in the yield in the range of 2.5% to 37% was noted in the dry years and the following years, varying according to the country depending on the severity of the drought. Sensitivity analysis highlights cocoa yield's responsiveness to drought and water stress, particularly in specific years when water stress occurred, such as 1984,1985, 1989, 1995, 1999, 2000, and 2008. Considering the observed trends in precipitation patterns and their impact on cocoa production, it is crucial to acknowledge the inherent uncertainty of future precipitation patterns due to climate change. To address this challenge effectively, our study underscores the importance of identifying and closely monitoring regions currently facing water stress, as determined by precipitation and drought indicators. Over the analysed period (1981–2022), we have noted shifts in the distribution of water-stressed areas, highlighting the dynamic nature of this issue. Consequently, we advocate for a targeted approach to implement cocoa supplementary irrigation in consistently water-stressed regions.
CGIAR Research Initiative on West and Central African Food Systems Transformation: Annual Technical Report 2024
(Report, 2025-04-15) CGIAR Initiative on West and Central African Food Systems Transformation
Co-designing inclusive landscape management plans: a training manual
(Training Material, 2025-03-01) Nartey, Eric Gbenatey; Atampugre, Gerald; Bobtoya, Saadia; Amponsah, Andoh Kwaku; Musana, B.; Igbadun, H.; Niyuhire, M. C.; Tilahun, Seifu A.
Digital agro‑advisory tools in the global south: a behavioural analysis of impacts, and future directions
(Journal Article, 2025-03-27) Ofosu Ampong, Kingsley; Abera, Wuletawu; Mesfin, Tewodros; Abate, Tsion
Digital agro-advisory tools have emerged as a promising solution to address pressing challenges in agriculture, particuarly for smallholder farmers in the Global South. This study provides a comprehensive characterisation of these tools, examining their behavioural typologies and adoption rates. Our desk and contextual review identified several digital agro-advisory tools in Global South. Our analysis revealed that low-adoption tools primarily focus on information dis- semination and post-harvest loss reduction. Moderate-adoption tools emphasize financial inclusion and early warning systems. High-adoption tools, on the other hand, prioritise climate-smart agriculture, farmer empowerment, and collaborative platforms. In all, our characterisation revealed five behavioural typologies necessary for the adoption of digital agro-advisory tools in the Global South. Critically, we found that trust is the fundamental foundation that determines adoption and sustained use of digital agricultural tools in the Global South. To scale up the adoption of these tools, it is crucial to address key constraints such as digital literacy, infrastructure, and policy environments. Additionally, our review shows that inclusive design and requirement elicitation are essential to ensure that these tools are accessible and relevant to the needs of smallholder farmers. By investing in digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, we can harness the transformative potential of digital agro-advisory tools to create a more sustainable and equitable agricultural future.
Transforming Agrifood Systems in West and Central Africa Initiative (TAFS-WCA): lean data innovation for rapid diet quality monitoring at scale
(Report, 2025-01) Adewopo, J.; Lungaho, M.; Aiyedun, K.; Nwaoliwe, G.
Situation analysis of Rubyiro Sub-catchment of the Rusizi River in Rwanda
(Report, 2024-12-30) Uwanyirigira, D.; Musana, B.; Atampugre, Gerald; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Oke, Adebayo; Cofie, Olufunke O.
The increasing pressures on socio-ecological landscapes (SEL) in developing countries, including Rwanda, stem from a complex interplay of factors, primarily driven by heightened demand for essential livelihood assets. These assets encompass access to food, health services, water, forest resources, housing, and agricultural spaces. In Rwanda, the excessive and often mismanaged utilization of productive landscape resources is evident, exacerbated by climate change and lapses in institutional policies. This situation has led to diminishing biodiversity and ecosystem services, threatening the sustainability of agricultural production systems and other livelihoods within the country. Utilizing the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework, a study focusing on the Rubyiro sub-catchment of the Rusizi River Basin provides a situational analysis of these dynamics. The Rubyiro sub-catchment is characterized by its rich natural resources and competing land uses but is also experiencing significant environmental degradation. The study aims to assess biophysical conditions, socio-economic factors, and the drivers of landscape changes while examining institutional responses. Key findings indicate that socioeconomic development driven by agriculture and mining activities contributes to environmental changes such as deforestation, soil erosion, and water contamination. The analysis highlights various pressures impacting the Rubyiro catchment, including increased rainfall intensity and reliance on fuelwood. These pressures lead to serious environmental challenges such as land degradation and flooding, particularly affecting rice cultivation in the region. Climate change further complicates these issues by altering temperature and rainfall patterns, which negatively impacts agricultural productivity. The Rusizi Catchment Management Plan outlines existing and planned responses aimed at landscape restoration and pollution control, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to effectively address these challenges.

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