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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Implications of changes in water stress and precipitation extremes for cocoa production in Côte D’Ivoire and Ghana
(Journal Article, 2025-04) Obahoundje, Salomon; Akpoti, Komlavi; Zwart, Sander J.; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Cofie, Olufunke
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 G.; Atampugre, Gerald; Bobtoya, Saadia; Amponsah, Andoh Kwaku; Musana, B.; Igbadun, H.; Niyuhire, M. C.; Tilahun, Seifu
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 Admassu; Oke, Adebayo; Cofie, Olufunke
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.
Farmer’s perception on fertilizer management using Ajinomoto byproduct for high market value local rice varieties in irrigated lowlands in Côte d’Ivoire
(Report, 2024-08) Arouna, A.; Gbede, T.R.
This work presents results of the socioeconomic evaluation of the Ajinomoto fertilizer (AF) experimentation demonstrations among rice farmers in Côte d’Ivoire. The focus was on assessing the perception of rice farmers on the AF experimentation and demonstrations from both the intervention participants and non-participants. Three regions in Côte d’Ivoire were covered as part of the survey and data were collected from a randomly sampled 270 rice farmers through face-to-face individual interviews using CSPro application installed on android tablets. Data collected we submitted to both descriptive and inferential statistics for analysis by means of the Stata version 18 and SPSS software. Results showed that majority of famers grew rice in wet season (72%), used on average 6 days for cleaning and preparation of seeds before planting, used transplanting as the major sowing method (91%), applied both NPK and Urea fertilizer only when soil is wet (67%), but did not pay attention to soil condition to apply pesticide. Farmers mainly expected fertilizer to be able to, among other things, increase the rice yield, allow good filling of the grains and increase the number of grains per panicle. The popular fertilizers currently used by farmers included the NPK (12-22-22), the combined NPK (15-15-15) & Urea (N, 46%), and the combined NPK (12-22-22) & Urea (N, 46%). In both groups of farmers, similar pieces of land were allocated to rice production with a mean value of 2.7 ha. The average yield was 3.1 tons/ha, with a significantly higher yield in the participation group than in the non-participation group. Regarding the Ajinomoto fertilizer technology, findings unsurprisingly showed highly significant differences in terms of knowledge and use of Ajinomoto fertilizer between participant and non-participant farmers. Overall, participants had a very good awareness and experience with the AF and were willing to adopt it. More than half of farmers (61%) were aware of the AF, including nearly half of non-participant farmers (42%) in addition to 100% of participant farmers. Up to 94% of non-participants in addition to 100% of participants were willing to use the AF and ready to apply it on 82.68% of their total area cultivated to rice, resulting in a total area of 2.33 ha of land to be under the AF use. Furthermore, rice farmers (75%) were also willing to extend the application of the AF to other crops apart from rice. In terms of their perception on the performance of the technology compared to other fertilizers used, participant farmers agreed with all the sixteen (16) statements on the performance of the AF, in comparison to the other fertilizers they used.
Situation of the inclusion of women and young people in agricultural and rural areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
(Report, 2024-11-30) Yeo, P.A.; Arouna, A.,; Yergo, W.; Mushiya, J.; Lufuluabo, M.M.; Mujawamariya, G.
From 24 to 29 August 2024, data was collected on the situation regarding the inclusion of women and young people in rural agricultural areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is part of the activities to be carried out by the CGIAR TAFS-WCA initiative, including reflections on gender issues and obstacles to the empowerment of vulnerable groups in agricultural value chains. The research approach is qualitative and ethnographic. The surveys covered three cultural areas in North Kivu: the villages of Kibumba/Nyiragongo and Masisi in Goma; Mudaka and Kavumo in Bukavu; and Kamanyola and Luvungi in Uvira. Stakeholder consultations were based on Focus Group Discussions (FGD), small group interviews and semi-structured individual interviews. A total of 106 agricultural stakeholders were interviewed in the selected communities. The data was analysed using an approach that prioritised their opinions. Overall, women farmers in Kivu face major challenges in terms of economic and social inclusion. Local customs tend to discriminate against them. In many areas, women are seen as beings who must remain at the service and under the authority of men. They also find it difficult to gain personal access to the land because of the man's control over this resource. Women in Kivu therefore find it very difficult to be autonomous. Young people are also faced with the challenge of inclusion in the farming communities of North Kivu. Perceived as social cadets, they are generally excluded from resource management. Only their elders manage to develop prosperous production activities thanks to their control over access to land. These conditions discourage many young people from getting involved in farming. Due to a lack of opportunities, some of them are driven to rural exodus or to take winding paths such as enlisting in the ranks of the armed rebel groups occupying the east of the country. This data confirms how the gender inequalities faced by women and young people in rural areas affect their social and economic development.
Analyzing Farmers’ Behavior in the Adoption of Paid Digital Extension Service: Experimental Evidence of Rice Advice in Nigeria
(Journal Article, 2024) Amoussouhoui, R.; Arouna, A.; Cerjak, M.; Yergo, W.G.; Banout, J.
Situation of the inclusion of women and young people in agricultural and rural areas in Côte d'Ivoire: Study Report
(Report, 2024-11-30) Yeo, P.; Arouna, A.; Mobio, A.; Kra, G.; Mujawamariya, G.
From 7 to 17 February 2024, data was collected on the situation regarding the inclusion of women and young people in agricultural and rural areas in Côte d'Ivoire. It is part of one of the TAFS-WCA's priority objectives, which is to examine in greater depth the obstacles to the empowerment of vulnerable groups in agricultural value chains. The research approach is qualitative and ethnographic. The surveys covered two distinct cultural areas, namely the village of Angôkou-Appiakro (Bouake department) and Dikouéhi Palegnoa (Gagnoa department). Stakeholder consultations were based on Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and semi-structured interviews. A total of 58 agricultural stakeholders were interviewed in the selected communities. The data was analysed using an approach that prioritised their opinions. In the village of Angôkou-Appiakro, the data shows that it is difficult for women to be autonomous. Apart from widows, they have no control over production assets and resources. Men deny them the full freedom and resources they need to do so. As a result, women are excluded from participating in decision-making at community level. They remain under the authority of men. Young people are also particularly vulnerable to economic inequalities because of the mismatch between their aspirations and the social norms in force in their community. They are traditionally sidelined by their social elders in the management of day to-day affairs and resources, which reinforces their precariousness.
An experimental approach to farmer valuation of African rice genetic resources
(Journal Article, 2024-10-21) Tyack, N.; Arouna, A.; Aboudou, R.; Ndjiondjop, M.N.
Genebanks serve as both providers of valuable traits for breeding programs and repositories of diverse crop genetic material representing society's agricultural heritage. In this study, we use a Becker-DeGroot-Marschak mechanism to elicit the willingness-to-pay of rice farmers in Côte d'Ivoire for small amounts of African rice (Oryza glaberrima) landraces held by the genebank of the Rice Biodiversity Center for Africa, and for seed of newly developed ARICA rice varieties bred using genebank materials. Using a field experiment, we additionally investigate how randomized exposure to and experimentation with small amounts of African rice landrace seed or seed of advanced rice varieties developed by AfricaRice affect how smallholder rice farmers value these novel genetic resources. Surprisingly, we find that farmers generally value having access to African rice landraces at approximately the same level as for advanced rice varieties (and far above market rates for improved seed), and that those farmers who grew landrace seed in the offseason were willing to pay more than those who did not. Our results demonstrate the additional value provided by the conservation of African rice landrace varieties (apart from their use in breeding) and highlight the importance of experimentation in the adoption process.
Impact assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic on the income and food security of rice smallholder producers in five African countries
(Journal Article, 2024) Arouna, A.; Adekambi, S.A.; Aboudou, R.; Yergo, W.G.; Mujawamariya, G.
Sustainable investment in inclusive landscape management for agrifood system transformation in Ghana: the case of Ahafo Ano South West District
(Brief, 2024-12-16) Atampugre, Gerald; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Cofie, Olufunke
Inclusive landscape management plan for resilient agri-food system in the Nyamagana landscape in Burundi
(Report, 2024-12-30) Niyuhire, M. C.; Atampugre, Gerald; Tilahun, Seifu Admassu; Cofie, Olufunke; Havyarimana, D.; Niyoyankunze, J. M. V.
The Inclusive Landscape Management (ILM) is a comprehensive approach to landscape management that considers the needs of all stakeholders, with particular focus on the local communities. The primary aim of the Inclusive Landscape Management Plan (ILMP) for Cibitoke Province in Burundi is to establish a framework that promotes sustainable landscape management and development. This initiative, part of the TAFS-WCA project, seeks to mitigate increasing pressures on landscapes caused by deforestation, land degradation, poor water management, unsustainable mining practices, and climate change. The ILMP emphasizes the integration of social and ecological systems, while encouraging local participation and promoting sustainable resource management. It is grounded in extensive stakeholder engagement and shared ownership of decision-making. The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) collaborated with gender and social inclusion experts, local informants, and community members from the Nyamagana micro-watershed to develop this plan. The initial phase involved crafting a narrative to inspire inclusive landscape management in the region, followed by an assessment of current conditions and the identification of key challenges and opportunities. The Institute of Agronomic Sciences of Burundi (ISABU) research team and stakeholders formulated management strategies to enhance the social-ecological landscape of Nyamagana. These strategies are designed to address core issues while achieving desired outcomes. The collective vision guiding the ILMP is "to sustainably co-harvest landscape resources in a transparent and accountable manner to foster resilient communities and healthy ecosystems in Nyamagana." Stakeholders proposed various response strategies, including improved agricultural systems, enhanced irrigation infrastructure, adoption of better seeds, restoration of soil and forests, and upgrading of farmers' skills and practices. The ILMP is a living document that will be regularly updated to adapt to environmental changes and evolving stakeholder needs. It serves as a vital resource for promoting inclusive and sustainable landscape management within the Nyamagana social-ecological sub-watershed and across Cibitoke Province.
Gender equality and social inclusion in landscape management: the case of Nyamasheke and Rusizi districts in Rwanda
(Report, 2024-12-30) Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Osei-Amponsah, Charity; Muhorakeye, L.; Uwanyirigira, D.; Tilahun, Seifu; Atampugre, Gerald; Cofie, Olufunke
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in agriculture and natural resource management is crucial for addressing climate change and land degradation. In Rwanda, laws and policies support gender equality and environmental sustainability. Despite efforts to involve both genders in decision-making, power dynamics persist, impacting landscape management priorities, knowledge valuation, resource rights, benefits distribution, and decision processes. This study investigates the interplay between gender and multiple identities, including marital status, socioeconomic status, and age, alongside power dynamics. It emphasizes how these factors affect rights to resources, the transfer of knowledge and skills, and the impact on participation in decision-making processes which are essential for effective landscape management in the Rubyiro Sub-Catchment located in Rwanda's Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts. It is a qualitative study based on data gathered in May and June 2024 using eight key informant interviews (four men and four women), 20 household interviews (ten men and ten women), and eight focus group discussions (four with men groups and four with women groups). The results suggest that the Government of Rwanda has put in place legal frameworks to advance environmental sustainability, gender equality, and sustainable development. However, the experiences of farmers, regardless of gender, highlight that age, gender, socio-economic conditions, and power relations significantly impact their rights to resources, their capacity to voice opinions, and their representation in landscape management, thereby affecting its effectiveness. The following are the three primary key results and recommendations. • The study reveals that both genders, particularly younger men, and women from resourcepoor households, face limited access to resources like land, water, and financial support due to poverty and patriarchal cultures. This leads to unsustainable practices, limited economic opportunities, and limited eco-friendly livelihoods. Addressing these challenges requires interventions that focus on the needs, priorities, barriers, and challenges of the diverse social groups, and ensure access to resources and services, and benefits. • Male heads in households often control information, creating a gender and generational gap in ecological knowledge. Gender disparities in priorities and knowledge also exist in landscape management, with women prioritizing adaptive strategies for food security and men prioritizing economic gains over sustainability. To effectively address the gender gaps in ecological knowledge in the context of landscape management, it is vital to pursue inclusive educational and communication strategies. This includes organizing community workshops that cater to men and women from diverse social group, focusing on the food security priorities of women, and creating platforms for dialogue across generations. Moreover, it is necessary to establish gender-sensitive policies and harness technology to facilitate the broad dissemination of information. • The research also reveals significant differences in leadership roles and decision-making between men and women, due to patriarchal norms and economic challenges. Women are underrepresented in conservation decision-making due to domestic duties and poverty, further marginalizing their voices. Limited involvement of women, men, and youth from diverse social groups in landscape management decision-making processes perpetuates cycles of poverty and poor resource use. We recommend adopting interventions that address the barriers to enhance equitable participation in leadership positions, while promoting gender-sensitive practices and fostering collaboration.
Gender equality and social inclusion in landscape management: the case of Mugina and Rugombo districts in Burundi
(Report, 2024-12-30) Nigussie, Likimyelesh; Osei-Amponsah, Charity; Havyarimana, A.; Atampugre, Gerald; Tilahun, Seifu; Cofie, Olufunke
Initiatives in landscape management are designed as sustainable solutions to confront environmental and social challenges. Effective management hinges on recognizing the unique needs of local communities. This study examines how gender interacts with multiple identities, including marital status, socioeconomic status, and age, in conjunction with power dynamics. It underscores the significance of these elements in determining access to resources, the dissemination of knowledge and skills, and their role in influencing participation in decision-making processes vital for effective landscape management in the sub-Nyamagana watershed, situated in the Imbo plain of the Mugina and Rugombo districts in Burundi. This is qualitative research founded on data collected in June 2024, which includes eight key informant interviews (comprising four men and four women), 20 household interviews (equally divided between ten men and ten women), and eight focus group discussions (four conducted with male groups and four with female groups). The results demonstrate that the Burundi government has enacted laws to support environmental sustainability and sustainable development. However, the experiences shared by farmers highlight that age, socioeconomic factors, and power relations significantly impact their rights to resources, their ability to express their opinions, and their representation in landscape management, which in turn affects the effectiveness of landscape management initiatives. The three primary key results and recommendations are presented below. • Sustainable farming and natural resource management practices among both men and women farmers from diverse social groups are significantly influenced by their access to resources. Our result shows women, young individuals, and indigenous communities, such as the Batwa, often encounter varied levels of restricted rights to vital resources, including land, financial assistance, and essential information. This lack of access undermines their decision-making and investment potential, contributing to heightened poverty. To effectively address challenges, interventions should consider the varied needs, priorities, barriers, and difficulties of the diverse social groups, guaranteeing their access to essential resources, services, and benefits. • There is disparity in access and valuation of knowledge which marginalizes certain social groups, including women and small communities such as the Batwa, which in turn leads to a decline in traditional knowledge. For instance, social norms that hinder marginalized groups’ mobility and limit their access to training contribute to the loss of critical knowledge and poor management of resources. Addressing the gaps in ecological knowledge for successful landscape management involves the integration of diverse knowledge systems. By merging the diverse traditional knowledge with modern agricultural techniques, it is possible to leverage these experiences to enhance conservation and resource management strategies. • Men largely oversee natural resource management, which restricts the empowerment of women. Challenges such as domestic responsibilities and financial barriers frequently mute women's contributions, especially in economically disadvantaged households. This lack of varied involvement in landscape management fails to address women's needs, thereby sustaining poverty, reinforcing gender disparities, and leading to suboptimal resource management. To address the issues, it isrecommended that relevant stakeholders implement inclusive and gender transformative approaches to enhance equitable involvement in leadership roles and collaborative efforts.
Farmer’s perception on fertilizer management using Ajinomoto byproduct for high market value local rice varieties in irrigated lowlands in Côte d’Ivoire
(Report, 2024-08-30) Arouna, Aminou; Gbede, T. R.
This work presents results of the socioeconomic evaluation of the Ajinomoto fertilizer (AF) experimentation demonstrations among rice farmers in Côte d’Ivoire. The focus was on assessing the perception of rice farmers on the AF experimentation and demonstrations from both the intervention participants and non-participants. Three regions in Côte d’Ivoire were covered as part of the survey and data were collected from a randomly sampled 270 rice farmers through face-to face individual interviews using CSPro application installed on android tablets. Data collected we submitted to both descriptive and inferential statistics for analysis by means of the Stata version 18 and SPSS software. Results showed that majority of famers grew rice in wet season (72%), used on average 6 days for cleaning and preparation of seeds before planting, used transplanting as the major sowing method (91%), applied both NPK and Urea fertilizer only when soil is wet (67%), but did not pay attention to soil condition to apply pesticide. Farmers mainly expected fertilizer to be able to, among other things, increase the rice yield, allow good filling of the grains and increase the number of grains per panicle. The popular fertilizers currently used by farmers included the NPK (12-22-22), the combined NPK (15-15-15) & Urea (N, 46%), and the combined NPK (12-22-22) & Urea (N, 46%). In both groups of farmers, similar pieces of land were allocated to rice production with a mean value of 2.7 ha. The average yield was 3.1 tons/ha, with a significantly higher yield in the participation group than in the non-participation group. Regarding the Ajinomoto fertilizer technology, findings unsurprisingly showed highly significant differences in terms of knowledge and use of Ajinomoto fertilizer between participant and non participant farmers. Overall, participants had a very good awareness and experience with the AF and were willing to adopt it. More than half of farmers (61%) were aware of the AF, including nearly half of non-participant farmers (42%) in addition to 100% of participant farmers. Up to 94% of non-participants in addition to 100% of participants were willing to use the AF and ready to apply it on 82.68% of their total area cultivated to rice, resulting in a total area of 2.33 ha of land to be under the AF use. Furthermore, rice farmers (75%) were also willing to extend the application of the AF to other crops apart from rice. In terms of their perception on the performance of the technology compared to other fertilizers used, participant farmers agreed with all the sixteen (16) statements on the performance of the AF, in comparison to the other fertilizers they used.
Etude de cas sur l’alimentation scolaire : Bénin.
(Working Paper, 2024-09) Amoussa Hounkpatin, Waliou; Fanou Fogny, Nadia; Bodjrenou, Sam; Koukou, Elie; Sossou, Cyrus; Assogba, Elvire; Houndolo, Melina; Tossou, Wilfried; Boyiako, Bernadette; Ainin, Abiola; Saroumi, Yvon
A literature review of citizen science for hydrological monitoring - with specific focus on lessons learned in developing countries
(Report, 2024-12-30) Kwakye, E.; Barron, J.; Adusei-Gyamfi, J.; Atampugre, Gerald; Tilahun, Seifu A.
Citizen science has emerged as a significant approach to engage the public in scientific research, data collection, and environmental monitoring, around hydrology. This meta-review examines the scientific literature on the involvement of citizens, recruitment and training, spatiotemporal distribution of cases, methodologies or approaches, the precision of citizen science data with controlled measurements, data transfer and accessibility, usage of citizen science data, and who uses the data and equipment used in citizen science projects for hydrological monitoring. The systematic review identified 14 review papers published since 2015, summarising 492 case studies, with a concentration of evidence based on regions in high, upper, and low-middle-income countries. Key findings of this meta-review indicate substantial evidence of citizen participation in hydrological data collection, especially for water quality monitoring, and to a lesser degree, surface hydrology (e.g., streamflow and water levels) and aquatic biota. Measurement of physio-chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, turbidity, and dissolved nutrients, as well as biological indicators like E. coli in surface and groundwater were most frequently described. Some studies also addressed monitoring flooding, rainfall, water flow, and water levels. Successful citizen science programs were characterized by effective recruitmentof participants. Training was identified to be essential for high-quality data collection, enhance participants’ capacity, and build skills while adhering to established protocols. Most studies in the reviews focused on water quality monitoring and employed a range of technologies from basic test kits and manual water level or rain gauges to advanced sensors and social media tools. The type of technology used was found to significantly influence data quality and credibility, with more advanced equipment offering higher precision but requiring greater technical expertise. Ethical considerations were fundamental to the success of citizen science projects, ensuring transparency, consent, and mutual respect between researchers and participants. Addressing participants' concerns and obtaining ethical approval were crucial steps in maintaining ethical standards, but they were not always transparent in the reviewed literature. It was noted in several of the 14 reviews that most citizen science initiatives were researcher-designed, and much fewer examples exist in full co-design mode between scientists, project implementers, and the citizens and communities executing data collection. Notably, this meta-review found that most of the ‘lessons learned’ in scientific review papers focused on data collection. Emerging gaps identified from the 14 reviews include (i) limited quantitative assessments of the precision of citizen science data, (ii) inadequate documentation of ethical considerations and data ownership, and (iii) insufficient focus on data accessibility and post-project utilization of collected data by beneficiaries, iv) weak description on the process to enable co-creation of data collection protocols and methods. This meta-review highlights citizen science's potential to provide cost-effective and highquality hydrological data. However, it emphasizes the need for greater attention to ethical issues, particularly around data ownership and accessibility, and the need for advanced training. Addressing these gaps, especially in underrepresented regions, can significantly enhance global water resource management and support sustainable development goals.
Transforming Agrifood Systems in West and Central Africa Initiative (TAFS-WCA): lean data innovation for rapid diet quality monitoring at scale
(Report, 2024-12) Adewopo, J.; Lung’aho, M.; Aiyedun, K.; Nwaoliwe, G.

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