West and Central Africa

IFAD’s presence in the region

Since 1978, IFAD has financed more than 130 investment programmes and projects in all 24 countries of the region, for a total commitment of US$1.3 billion. Numerous grants to regional bodies and national NGOs have been implemented in the areas of agricultural research, training, studies and community development.

Land degradation caused by extensive agriculture, deforestation and overgrazing has reached alarming levels in the region. Land productivity is declining increasingly in areas with high population density and in marginal lands and ecosystems.

In response, IFAD has assisted in developing and extending an array of natural resource management technologies for water and soil conservation. These include soil fertility maintenance, integrated crop and livestock systems, wind erosion prevention, agroforestry and development and extension of fuel-efficient stoves for use in both urban and rural areas.

• Mali: Biodiversity Conservation and Participatory Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the Inner Niger Delta and its Transition Area, Mopti Region
• Mauritania: Participatory Environmental Protection and Poverty Reduction in the Oases of Mauritania
• Niger: Agricultural and Rural Rehabilitation and Development Initiative

Source: IFAD