Agriculture in the Face of Climate Change in West Africa

The Positive Effects of Agroecology 

Climate change is threatening both food security and livelihoods across West Africa.

To reduce its impact on agriculture, appropriate adaptation strategies are fundamental – from using drought-resistant crop varieties to adjusting planting dates and applying organic fertilisers. Research shows these approaches can significantly boost yields. 

Agroecology has proven to be essential in making farming systems more resilient to climate pressures across the region. 

Discover three agroecological practices making a difference in our latest article published in Interempresas magazine: "Agriculture in the Face of Climate Change in West Africa: The Positive Effects of Agroecology."

Project Updates

Engaging the Next Generation at Njawara Basic Cycle School in The Gambia

On 16 May, CIRAWA partner NATC in The Gambia met with educators from Njawara Basic Cycle School introducing students to agroecology and climate-smart farming.  

With support from teachers, the school will create a dedicated garden space for students to learn about planting, soil health, and the impact of climate change, right in their own backyard.  

This initiative will empower students to better understand soil health, plant care, and the value of local food systems. 

CIRAWA team leads seed, plant workshop at a Senegalese school 

What better place to plant the seeds of change than a schoolyard? 

During CIRAWA’s visit to Ebenezer Primary School in Mbane, Senegal, local children got their hands dirty in a seed and planting workshop, right on the shores of Lac du Guiers, an important water source in the country. 

Led by our partners at ISRA (Senegal Agricultural Research Institute) with support from REVOLVE, the session introduced students to the wonders of soil health, seeds, and plant care. 

Moments like these show how local engagement and early education can spark long-lasting connections to nature and food. 

Agroecology News

African Union commits to soil health by signing Mission Soil Manifesto 

A milestone for sustainable agriculture – At the AU-EU Agricultural Ministerial Conference held in Rome on 27 June, Afican Union (AU) Commissioner for Agriculture Moses Vilakati formalised the AU’s commitment to protecting soil health by joining the EU’s Mission Soil initiative. This strengthens the AU-EU partnership in addressing soil degradation through research, innovation, and collaboration.

Healthy soils are the foundation of resilient farming systems. This move marks a step forward in international cooperation for promoting sustainable agricultural practices and tackling soil degradation – an urgent issue impacting food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience across both Africa and Europe. 

How can digital tools support farmers in agroecological transitions? 

A webinar hosted by the Agroecological TRANSITIONS: Inclusive Digital Tools Project (IDTP) on 8 May 2025 explored how farmers, when supported with the right tools, can create a space to improve their knowledge, change behaviour, and involve others. However, effective application of digital opportunities is more complex than simply creating an application and handing it to farmers.

Learn more and watch the full webinar here: 

Senegal boosts national seed production for food sovereignty 

To reduce reliance on imported seeds and strengthen food sovereignty, Senegal has launched a major 10-year national seed self-sufficiency programme (2025–2034). Led by ISRA, a partner of the CIRAWA project, and supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, the initiative focuses on key crops like peanuts, rice, wheat and cowpea. 

Meet our partner

CIRAWA brings together 16 partners from nine countries in Africa and Europe to promote agroecological practices and sustainable farming. One of these partners is the Associação das Mulheres do Planalto Leste (AMUPAL - Eastern Plateau Women's Association), based on the island of Santo Antão in Cape Verde.  

Most of the members of the organization are heads of households who have joined forces to reduce unemployment in the locality. In recent years, AMUPAL has made a strong commitment to tourism and environmental projects, with the aim of creating alternatives for women in the region. AMUPAL also has an agri-food processing unit in operation and invests in the preservation of local flora. 

Upcoming Events

Terms to know

In each of CIRAWA's newsletters, we share with you 
a definition of one of the important terms to know for the CIRAWA project. Today's term to know is:

Phytoremediation

Phytoremediation is a natural way to clean up pollution using plants. Certain plants, trees, crops, or wetland plants can absorb or break down contaminants in soil, water, or air. 

This is a natural process and preserves the integrity of the soil. It’s low-cost, eco-friendly, and powered by sunlight. 

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.​