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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Item 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, YvonItem 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.Item 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.Item Strengthening and sustaining the EWS for fall armyworm and striga management in Rwanda and Ghana(Report, 2024-12-31) Landmann, Tobias; Ouedraogo, MathieuItem RIICE development in Cote d’Ivoire : AfricaRice report of 2024. Transforming Agrifood Systems in West and Central Africa Initiative (TAFS-WCA)(Report, 2024-12-31) Yéo Yassongui, Serge-Alin; Kouadio, Kouamé Serge Alain; Elliott, Dossou-Yovo; Ouedraogo, Mathieu; Singh, ManjariCôte d'Ivoire has significant potential for rice production, yet the country remains heavily reliant on imports due to low yields and limited adoption of improved technologies. Climate change further exacerbates these challenges, affecting rice productivity and food security. The Remote Sensing-based Information and Insurance for Crops in Emerging Economies (RIICE) decision support system was introduced to provide reliable, real-time data on rice cultivation, yield forecasts, and climate-related risks. This report details activities conducted by AfricaRice in 2024 related to the adaptation and implementation of the RIICE tool in Côte d'Ivoire through field experiments, georeferencing of rice fields, and the collection of leaf area index (LAI) data as well as feedback from stakeholders to ensure the tool is co-designed, responds to the local needs and that challenges related to infrastructure requirements and capacity building are addressed in the road for institutionalization. The findings highlight the potential of RIICE to enhance rice sector planning, improve resilience among smallholder farmers, and support policy decisions for achieving rice self-sufficiency.Item Pathways to resilient dryland food systems in Africa: Strategic and tactical choices for accelerated impacts(Report, 2024) Marenya, Paswel P.; Narmandakh, Davaatseren; Kirui, Leonard; Odhong, Jonathan A.; Sanni Abdulrahman; Aboudoulaye, Soule B.; Adam, Mamadou; Alex, Gerald; Belko, Marème N.; Bett, Charles; Dembele, Bandiougou; Derik, Sakatali P.; De Pee, Eric; Diatta, Cyril; Faye, Ndeye F.; Gichuru, Lilian; Kone, Bouréma; Kazombo, Samson F.M.; Kisilu, Rachael; Mchau, Devotha; Martey, Edward; Mbulwe, Lloyd; Ndubi, Jerika M.; Templer, Noel A.; Ouédraogo, Nofou; Opie, Hellen; Puozaa, Doris K.; Reoungel, Djinodji; Salegua, Venancio; Sawadogo-Compaoré, Eveline; Sime, Mekonnen; Zemedu, LemmaAfrica’s drylands form vital food systems, supporting a significant portion of its population and agricultural activity. However, they face persistent challenges with low productivity, limited market integration, and acute vulnerability to climate shocks. These issues contribute to structural poverty and high rates of undernourishment, highlighting the need for investments to improve rural incomes, enhance resilience, and foster economic growth.Item RIICE activities in Ivory Coast 2024. Transforming Agrifood Systems in West and Central Africa Initiative (TAFS-WCA)(Report, 2024-12-31) Murugesan, Deiveegan; Satapathy, Sushree; Akpoffo, Marius; Gatti, Luca; Maunahan, Aileen; Dossou-Yovo, Elliot; Holecz, Francesco; Mathieu, Renaud; Ouedraogo, MathieuItem Inclusive landscape management plan for the transformation of the agrifood system in Rubyiro Sub Catchment, Rwanda(Report, 2024-12-30) Uwanyirigira, D.; Musana, B.; Atampugre, Gerald; Tilahun, Seifu Admassu; Oke, Adebayo; Cofie, OlufunkeInclusive landscape management (ILM) is a holistic approach to managing landscapes that considers the needs of all stakeholders, including local communities and people with disabilities. This Inclusive Landscape Management Plan (ILMP) seeks to provide a framework for the sustainable management and development of landscapes in the Rubyiro sub-catchment of Rwanda. The ILMP is designed to address the increasing pressure on landscapes in Rwanda from deforestation, land degradation, poor water management, unsustainable mining and climate change. The ILMP emphasizes the integration of social and ecological systems, local participation and sustainable resource use and management within landscapes. It is a response to ‘top-down’ approaches to sustainable development, in which power and decision-making are in the hands of external development professionals. Instead, the ILMP is based on shared ownership of decision-making and the full participation of all stakeholders. This ILMP is the result of joint efforts between the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), RWB, Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts in consultation with local stakeholders within Rubyiro sub-catchment in Rusizi catchment. The ILMP was developed through a participatory process that involved stakeholders from all sectors, including government, civil society, and the private sector. The process began with creating a narrative on the village level in Inteko y’abaturage (village meeting ) that served as a broad objective for promoting inclusive landscape management in the Rubyiro sub-catchment. The research team from Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) then worked with local stakeholders to assess the current state of the landscape and identify key challenges and opportunities. Based on the assessment, the research team and stakeholders co-developed a set of management strategies and interventions designed to address the key challenges and achieve the desired outcomes. The ILMP was designed with a shared vision for the landscape: “A well-managed Rubyiro sub-catchment to support prosperous, inclusive, and resilient communities, with economic actors safeguarding and being accountable for the health of ecosystems.” Based on the vision and identified challenges, stakeholders proposed various response strategies that included increased irrigation efficiency through adaptive and inclusive management; mechanisms to reduce postharvest losses; mechanisms for managing mining and forestry; Enhanced gender and youth involvement in decision-making; Improved income and livelihood diversification opportunities; Improved adoption of sustainable land/forest/water management practices; Increased food safety through reduced contamination from pesticides and the strengthening of local/traditional institutions for natural resources management. The ILMP also includes a monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress and ensure the interventions have the desired impact. It is critical to note that the ILMP is a living document that should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the landscape and the needs of the stakeholders. Hopefully, the ILMP will serve as a blueprint for sustainable and inclusive landscape management in the Rubyiro Sub-catchment and beyond. Throughout the whole engagement, it has been suggested to innovate on the approaches and technologies used, especially looking at increasing the momentum for erosion control and the sustainability of government investment in erosion control. The participants also discussed two other important knowledge products: understanding the ecological and economic niches of the savannah grass (Umukenke) and explore the income-generating activities of coffee, cassava leaves, fruit trees, and bamboo with gully reclamation as a niche.Item Assessing the integration of gender equality and social inclusion in landscape management related policies in Ghana: a review(Report, 2024-12-30) Oyawole, F. P.; Osei-Amponsah, Charity; Atampugre, Gerald; Tilahun, Seifu Admassu; Cofie, OlufunkeRising demands for natural resources threaten landscape sustainability. This underscores the need for sustainable landscape management, which necessitates inclusivity, equitable decision-making, and collaborative action. This documentary review examines Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) integration in Social-Ecological Landscape (SEL) management related policies at the national, sectoral and district levels in Ghana. The results indicate that Ghana demonstrates commitment to GESI through national policies like the National Gender, Youth and Social Protection Policies, which provide a framework for GESI mainstreaming across all sectors and levels of governance. However, while some policies like the Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework and agricultural policy fully integrate GESI, notable gaps exist in others, like the water, forestry and mining policies, which lack specific measures to address inclusivity in resource access and transformation of discriminatory institutional structures. The study recommends GESI gap analyses to identify inequalities and marginalized groups, policy revision and development of context-specific GESI responsive strategies, particularly at the sectoral level. Bridging these GESI gaps will not only enhance the wellbeing of marginalized groups, but also foster more sustainable management of Ghana's landscapes.Item Mapping climate and agronomic digital advisory services landscape in West and Central Africa (WCA)(Report, 2024-12-31) Singh, Manjari; Ouedraogo, Mathieu; Jimenez, Daniel; Talsma, Tiffany; Ouedraogo, Adama; Kagabo, Desire; Ramirez, Julian; Laderach, PeterItem Inclusive landscape management plan for the transformation of agrifood systems in the Doma-Rutu socio-ecological landscape, Nigeria(Report, 2024-12-30) Igbadun, H. E.; Ojeleye, Oluwaseun Adebayo; Oke, Adebayo; Atampugre, Gerald; Tilahun, Seifu; Ismail, H.; Jonathan, J.; Cofie, OlufunkeThe Doma-Rutu socio-ecological landscape in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, faces several socio-ecological challenges such as deforestation, water pollution, and unsustainable land-use practices. To address these issues, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) under the CGIAR Initiative on West and Central Africa AgriFood Systems Transformation (TAFS-WCA) has facilitated the co-development of a comprehensive Inclusive Landscape Management Plan (ILMP). The ILMP is a collaborative effort involving contributions from stakeholders such as the government, local communities, marginalized groups, NGOs, and research institutions.Item Developing an inclusive landscape management plan for doma-rutu social ecological landscape, Nigeria(Brief, 2024-12-16) Igbadun, H. E.; Ojeleye, O. A.; Oke, Adebayo; Atampugre, Gerald; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Ismail, H.; Jonathan, J.; Cofie, OlufunkeLandscape management planning is a collaborative process to ensure sustainable land and water use while addressing climate change. The Doma-Rutu Landscape in Nigeria faces challenges like deforestation, soil erosion, and limited institutional support. A multi-stakeholder approach was used to identify challenges, set goals, and develop strategies for the landscape. The goal is to create an Inclusive Landscape Management Plan (ILMP) to address these challenges and promote sustainable development.Item Does Adoption of Improved Variety Encourage Farmers to Invest in Modern Inputs and Use Good Practices? Evidence from Rice Farmers in Guinea(Journal Article, 2024-10-14) Arouna, A.; Barry, M.L.; Kamano, P.; Yabi, J.A.Iron toxicity is one of the constraints limiting rice production in Africa. This study used a randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of an iron toxicity-tolerant variety, named ARICA 6, on different outcomes and investment in modern inputs by smallholder farmers. Two rounds of data were collected from 520 rice-farming households in Guinea. Results showed that the use of ARICA 6 increased rice yield by 330 kg ha−1 and net income by US$ 120 ha−1 . However, adoption of improved variety may not be enough to crowd in investment in modern inputs because farmers face other constraints.Item The hydrogeological potential of Doma Rutu Floodplains for shallow groundwater irrigation: a technical report(Report, 2024-12-30) Oke, Adebayo; Igbadun, H.; Adeogun, B.; Tilahun, Seifu; Atampugre, Gerald; Cofie, OlufunkeA situation analysis was conducted to increase food production, build small-scale farmers’ resilience to climate change, and improve livelihood in the Doma-Rutu socioecological landscape. An Inclusive Landscape Management Plan (ILMP) was then developed with inputs from the situation analysis and various engagements with identified stakeholders in the landscape. One of the shared goals and activities in the ILMP was to build farmers' capacity to develop additional water resources and manage them to improve their agricultural production during the dry season. The use of shallow tube wells was identified as a proven innovation that could transform the landscape by exploring groundwater for irrigation. However, knowledge gaps exist on the hydrogeology of the floodplains, especially information about the water table depths at the peak of the dry season and whether shallow tube wells are feasible and can sustainably support sufficient water for irrigation purposes. To address this gap, a hydrogeological survey was carried out in two selected floodplains in the landscape. The floodplain surveyed in Iwashi was about 118ha, and that of Alagye was about 90 ha. The study revealed that the floodplains had deposits of alluvial materials such as sands, clays, and silty materials. These were products of weathered basement and sedimentary rocks from uplands and surrounding areas adjacent to the river courses. The investigation reflected that Iwashi geologic formations were sedimentary, while very few locations in Alagye had basement complex formations. The alluvial materials are saturated and can be harnessed for dry-season irrigation farming. The study also showed that the floodplains could contribute to groundwater flow, subsurface flow to the stream, and the normal channel flow. Moreover, the floodplains could for excess water during the rainy season. The depth of tube wells for the Iwashi floodplain will range from 8.6 to 14 m and from 9.5 to 14m for the Alagye floodplain. It is recommended that very fine materials be used as gravel packing during the construction of the tube wells because most of the alluvial aquifers are fine sand in nature and can easily get deposited into the tube wells if the gravel materials around the tube well are not wellselected. Each tube well should be installed so that about 5 to 6 meters of the bottom part are screened to allow sufficient inflow of groundwater. The is to increase the surface area for water inflow into the tube-well. An optimal selection of pumps is necessary, which can be determined by a pumping test. The result of the pumping test will aid in determining the command area in which each tube well can irrigate optimally. This survey has further established the prospect for shallow groundwater irrigation using the tubewell innovation, which is a proven technology in use in the states of Kano, Kebbi, Niger, Bauchi, and some other states in Nigeria. Tubewell technologies are cost-effective and simple in floodplains where the geological formation, aquifer is shallow and feasible.Item Youth-led aquaculture in Northern Ghana(Blog Post, 2024-08-12) Tall, Maimouna; Appiah, Sarah; Buisson, Marie-Charlotte; Zane, GiuliaItem Enhancing climate resilience in Africa through the scaling and bundling of adaptation solutions(Conference Paper, 2024-12-18) Kagabo, Desire M.; Ouedraogo, Mathieu; Girvetz, EvanItem Validation workshop on tailoring the digital agro-climate advisory (HingaSmart) platform for Ghana’s context(Report, 2024-12-18) Mvuyibwami, Patrick; Kagabo, Desire M.; Ouedraogo, Mathieu; Yeboah, Stephen; Dalaa, Mustapha; Damba, Osman T.; Byandaga, Livingstone; Muhigirwa, Mireille U.Item Investment climate for circular economy enterprises in Nigeria: firm-level insights(Brief, 2024-12-30) Gebrezgabher, Solomie A.; Onabolu, B.; Taron, Avinandan; Cofie, Olufunke O.Item Impacts of climate extremes and land use land cover dynamics on water resources in West Africa(Presentation, 2024-12-16) Obahoundje, SalomonItem The environmental fallout of illegal mining in Southern Ghana: the environmental toll of illegal mining is undeniable, but forward-thinking initiatives are forging a path to recovery(Blog Post, 2024-12-05) Tilahun, Seifu A.; Atampugre, Gerald; Nartey, Eric; Gelaye, K.; Adusei-Gyamfi, J.; Herzog, J.; Barron, J.