Agricultural experts and development organisations have raised fresh concerns over the rapid decline in soil health and fertility across West Africa, warning that worsening land degradation could undermine food security, rural livelihoods and climate resilience in the region. Despite agriculture remaining the backbone of employment and economic activity across much of West Africa, large areas ...

The region’s favourite meal may also be its clearest route to food sovereignty, job creation, and long-term economic growth. In West Africa, rice is never just rice. It is a symbol of celebration in Mali, where a steaming bowl of rice carries memories of family, hospitality, and national pride. It is the centre of spirited ...

Ghana has strengthened its agricultural cooperation with Spain through a new investment-driven partnership aimed at expanding tomato production and processing, as the country works to reduce heavy reliance on imports and build a stronger agro-industrial base. The agreement, discussed in Barcelona, focuses on improving value addition in agriculture, supporting smallholder farmers, and developing large-scale commercial ...

Ukraine has launched its first agricultural hub in Ghana, marking a significant step in expanding its global food security initiatives while strengthening trade ties across West Africa. The facility will serve as a processing and distribution centre for agricultural products, supporting both humanitarian efforts and commercial activity. The hub is designed to integrate Ukrainian agricultural ...

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is stepping up efforts to transform agriculture across West Africa by embedding climate resilience and social inclusion into its regional farming systems. New Framework Targets Sustainability and Inclusion Through its technical arm, the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food, ECOWAS has reviewed a new Climate and Gender-Sensitive ...

By Brandon Moss March marks one of the most critical transition periods in the African agricultural calendar. Across the continent, this month signals a shift in seasons, market activity and farm decision-making that can shape food production outcomes for the rest of the year. From Southern Africa’s late-season crop development to East Africa’s long rains ...

A growing wave of community-led composting initiatives across West Africa is converting organic waste into a reliable source of plant nutrients and household income. Donor-supported programs and local Agripreneurs are training farmer groups to build compost chambers, manage feedstock streams and establish simple quality control so compost can be sold as a branded farm input. ...

Tamale, Ghana — At the recent Ghana Science Association (GSA) conference, Professor Felix Kofi Abagale, Director of the West African Centre for Water, Irrigation and Sustainable Agriculture (WACWISA), unveiled a suite of smart irrigation technologies designed to revolutionize farming across semi-arid regions of West Africa. The innovations include solar-powered water pumps, precision drip systems, and ...

Accra, Ghana — Stakeholders from across West Africa and the Sahel have gathered in Accra this week for the 10th Ordinary Meeting of the Regional Seed and Seedling Committee (CRSPAO), a pivotal forum aimed at accelerating progress on harmonized seed regulations across the region. Held from September 15–17, the meeting brings together representatives from 23 ...

By Dowell, Agrifocus Africa July 21, 2025 Thirteen West African countries are advancing a bold regional initiative to fortify rice production against the growing threats of climate change. Backed by a $9.44 million grant from the African Development Fund, the REWARD–Adaptation project is set to transform rice value chains with climate-smart technologies, capacity building, and ...