Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains in Togo, Senegal and Guinea

Adaptation Need

Togo, Senegal, and Guinea all have rural populations that are deeply affected by seasonal and climate-driven shocks. They are especially vulnerable to climate extremes due to their strong dependence on rain-fed agriculture, which is largely dominated by smallholder farmers—accounting for approximately 70–80% of the agricultural workforce. Incomes from rain-fed farming and pastoralism are the mainstay of rural livelihoods in these countries. GCA’s localized agro-hydrological analysis of water availability in the program’s targeted SCPZs show projections of reduced water availability in most SCPZs accompanied with increased crop water demand due to climate change. With heavy reliance on rain for food production, and limited irrigation coverage, food security and economic stability are highly sensitive to climate variability and change.

GCA’s Added Value

GCA’s Technical Assistance towards the development of the SPCZ funding proposal centered around the preparation of an in-depth and highly localized agro-hydrological report assessing water availability for irrigation in the target zones. The report quantified the impact of climate change on water resources in the regions and provided recommendations for mitigating the associated risks, thereby enhancing the efficiency and efficacy of the funding proposal and significantly strengthening its climate change rationale – crucial for securing the requested funds of USD 427 million. Further, GCA supported activities to promote climate resilient agricultural practices and technologies adoption among smallholder farmers, as well as program management and coordination. AfDB submitted the funding proposal to the GCF in February 2023 along with the agro-hydrological report. The project was approved in October 2023.