Programme priorities for Western and Central Africa Mohamed Béavogui Director of Western and Central Africa Division, PMD April th Replenishment

Overview of the region 333 million - rural population (60%) 24 countries of which: 13 among the bottom 22 in HDI Distinct agro-ecological zones: Sahel, coastal and forest zones

Nature of poverty in the region Below $1/day 60% The poor are mostly: Smallholder farmers, landless, laborers, unemployed youth and women Poverty worse in conflict areas Rural poor lack access to: Land and water (only 3% irrigation), technology, inputs (seeds/fertilizers), markets, finance Climate change and uncertain rainfall is increasing rural poverty Nutrition levels poor: per capita daily calories

Issues to be confronted: Food prices increasing drastically! From 2006 to 2008: Price of millet increased by 60%, maize by over 50%, sorghum by over 40%, wheat has doubled, price of rice has increased by over 100% Worsened food security situation US$/TonGround nutGround nut oilMaizeRice importRice localSorghumCowpeaOnionTomato April (FAO) % change84%-104%207%195%745%-58%84% WCA average food retail food prices (14/04/08 Tradenet estimate)

Positive trends to build on… Overall economic growth in the region has been robust recently. Growth in agricultural production in many countries has averaged more than 4% (7% in Ghana). There has been increased stability in the region. Farmers organizations and civil society are playing an increasing role in the development of policy. On-shelf research results are available on new varieties but the major challenge is seed multiplication and distribution. Robust results in production increase exist in rice (Guinea) and cassava (Ghana, Nigeria).

Where the money will go… Action Plan Innovative models for agricultural intensification of rice, maize, sorghum/millet, cassava, irrigated crops that are replicable and up-scaleable and supportive to policy and institutional transformation for agricultural growth Value chain development in particular seed multiplication and distribution networks, agricultural services support, markets Improvement of infrastructure, processing technologies Expansion of rural financial services Partnerships with governments, farmers organizations (ROPPA), private sector (maize with YARA/WIENCO in Ghana) and co-financers to support infrastructure (Ghana project with AfDB), NEPAD

What are the results that can be expected? Ongoing projects and programs Total ongoing portfolio of USD 709 million Reaching an average of million people IFAD VIII ( ) Projected lending USD 518 million Estimated beneficiaries 10 million