in West Africa
West Africa overview
Living in arid regions on the edge of the Sahara desert, farmers in West Africa are on the front line in the fight against climate change.
Self Help Africa’s West Africa country programme operates across three countries – Burkina Faso, Ghana and Togo. Projects are implemented through local partners, with the focus on adding value to farm production and creating links between small-scale agricultural producers and private sector companies.
Because of the hot, dry climate and unpredictable weather patterns of the region, there is a particular emphasis on promoting farming approaches that are ‘climate smart’, and enabling farming communities to diversify their production.
Population: 19.8M / Population Growth: 2.91%
Capital: Ouagadougou / Area: 274,200 SQ KM
Population: 7.99M /Population Growth: 2.48%
Capital: Lome / Area: 56,785 SQ KM
West Africa Major Languages: French, English, Native Languages
West Africa Major Religions: Christianity, Islam, Native Beliefs
WEST AFRICA projects
BUILDING RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE EXTREMES AND DISASTERS
Centre Nord region. Burkina Faso
Self Help Africa is working closely with the government to strengthen the capacity of smallholder farmers to cope with the impact of climate change in Burkina Faso through agricultural extension services and early-warning weather systems. The project is promoting the diversification of agricultural production and improving incomes through sustainable access to drought-tolerant seeds, improved soil fertility and a specific focus on enterprise development. SHA is also providing training to increase the organizational capacity of farmers, and promote climate-smart agriculture techniques.
Community radio messaging techniques have already allowed us to reach over 200,000 individuals with weather information.
IMPROVED GOVERNANCE AND ACCESS TO WATER & SANITATION
Savanna region, Togo
This project aims to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life for rural populations through ensuring equitable and adequate access to water, sanitation and health.
SHA, in partnership with the EU, are drilling and rehabilitating boreholes in the region, in order to provide access to safe drinking water to 5,750 people. 1,908 latrines will be built over the three-year period, providing sanitation facilities to 19,080 people.
SHA is helping to build ownership within the communities by forming development committees and WASH associations, as well as training a local project management team in maintenance and management in order to assure the sustainability of the action.