Programme priorities for Western and Central Africa

Mohamed BéavoguiDirector of Western and Central Africa Division, PMD

22-23 April 2008

8th Replenishment

Overview of the region

333 million - rural population (60%)

24 countries of which:

13 among the bottom 22 in HDI

Distinct agro-ecological zones: Sahel, coastal and forest zones

Nature of poverty in the region

Below $1/day 60%

The poor are mostly: Smallholder farmers, landless, laborers, unemployed youth and women

Poverty worse in conflict areas

Rural poor lack access to: Land and water (only 3% irrigation), technology,

inputs (seeds/fertilizers), markets, finance

Climate change and uncertain rainfall is increasing rural poverty

Nutrition levels poor: per capita daily calories 1930 - 2000

Issues to be confronted:Food prices increasing drastically!

From 2006 to 2008:

Price of millet increased by 60%, maize by over 50%, sorghum by over 40%, wheat has doubled, price of rice has increased by over 100%

Worsened food security situation

US$/Ton Ground nut Ground nut oil Maize Rice import Rice local Sorghum Cowpea Onion Tomato

April 2008 842 1172 383 865 831 1708 766 539 660

2001 (FAO) 456 - 187 281 281 202 - 340 357

% change 84% - 104% 207% 195% 745% - 58% 84%

WCA average food retail food prices(14/04/08 Tradenet estimate)

Positive trends to build on…

Overall economic growth in the region has been robust recently.

Growth in agricultural production in many countries has averaged more than 4% (7% in Ghana).

There has been increased stability in the region.

Farmers organizations and civil society are playing an increasing role in the development of policy.

On-shelf research results are available on new varieties but the major challenge is seed multiplication and distribution.

Robust results in production increase exist in rice (Guinea) and cassava (Ghana, Nigeria).

Where the money will go… Action Plan 2010-2012

Innovative models for agricultural intensification of rice, maize, sorghum/millet, cassava, irrigated crops that are replicable and up-scaleable and supportive to policy and institutional transformation for agricultural growth

Value chain development in particular seed multiplication and distribution networks, agricultural services support, markets

Improvement of infrastructure, processing technologies

Expansion of rural financial services

Partnerships with governments, farmers organizations (ROPPA), private sector (maize with YARA/WIENCO in Ghana) and co-financers to support infrastructure (Ghana project with AfDB), NEPAD

What are the results that can be expected?

Ongoing projects and programs

Total ongoing portfolio of USD 709 million

Reaching an average of 15.75 million people

IFAD VIII (2010-2012)

Projected lending USD 518 million

Estimated beneficiaries 10 million