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Advocating for change in West Africa

By Practical Action in West Africa
25 August 2024
Location: West Africa

To promote big change, we engage in forums across countries and regions where public and private entities convene, sharing the outcomes of our initiatives. The past six months have offered us remarkable opportunities to do so. Discover more about our change agenda in this article. 

West Africa faces regional challenges like limited opportunities, food insecurity, gender inequality, natural resource degradation, and environmental deterioration, compounded by climate change and gender inequality. As the root causes of these challenges extend country borders, addressing these issues effectively requires a collaborative regional approach and suitable solutions. 

Practical Action’s goal is to enhance smallholder farming efficiency in adapting to climate change, empower more people with renewable and affordable energy, and integrate disaster resilience into the lives of those threatened by extreme climate events. To achieve lasting results and expand our reach beyond project implementation, we advocate alongside public and private stakeholders, sharing our insights and successes with communities and partners. 

 

Energy that transforms 

Access to reliable and affordable energy is essential for unlocking opportunities in small communities and boosting national economies. Despite West Africa’s significant renewable energy potential, various barriers impede expansion, particularly in rural areas where energy poverty remains severe. 

Our projects and consultancies empower communities with tools and knowledge for sustainable energy practices. We also advocate for strategic alliances between public and private sectors, international investors, and local communities to overcome barriers and expand renewable energy access. 

Through an inclusive focus and strategic partnerships, we aim to drive sustainable development and improve the quality of life across West Africa. 

An inclusive approach for a just transition 

The energy transition is not merely a technical or policy process but a societal transformation that requires everyone’s involvement. As Kadija Simboro, our Energy Lead, emphasises, young people and women are pivotal in driving the global shift towards sustainable energy. Youth are crucial as they will inherit the long-term consequences of today’s energy decisions. At the same time, women are disproportionately affected by climate change and energy poverty, so supporting them to access equal opportunities is key to sustainable change. 

Projects like the Renewable Energy for Agriculture programme illustrate the power of these inclusive approaches, equipping young people and women with tools to adopt sustainable practices, improve productivity, and conserve the environment.  

Learn more about the REAL programme here

A woman is washing water from a well in a garden.

Making it possible with partnerships and investment 

There is an urgent need for increased investment in youth engagement and women’s empowerment, as their active participation ensures inclusive and effective climate solutions. Collective action and collaboration are also vital to accelerating progress in the global energy transition. Partnerships are immensely powerful to unlock opportunities for decentralised renewable energy for these groups and their communities. Our advocacy involves engaging with key stakeholders, including international investors and funding partners, to forge strategic partnerships that drive sustainable energy solutions and expand our impact. 

Through these events, we have seized opportunities to engage with influential stakeholders, discuss potential collaborations, and advocate for policies that support renewable energy initiatives. Represented by Kadija Simboro, our participation in these forums underscores our commitment to driving significant change and advancing sustainable energy solutions in West Africa. 

Where were we?  

In the past six months, we have actively participated in several key events to further our advocacy agenda: 

  • Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (March—Germany): This event is a critical platform for exploring opportunities to scale up successful initiatives and aiming for a sustainable and equitable energy future. 
  • Semaine des Énergies et Énergies Renouvelables d’Afrique (SEERA) (May—Burkina Faso): This annual conference fosters innovation by bringing together policymakers, industry experts, and organisations, sharing best practices and developing joint strategies to address energy challenges.  
  • Alliance for Rural Electrification’s Energy Access Investment Forum (ARE’s EAIF) (May – Lagos): This platform brought together private and public investors, industry leaders, and government officials worldwide to forge partnerships and accelerate access to clean energy for underserved communities.
A woman in a green outfit and turban speaking at a conference with a microphone in her hand and a projection screen in the background.

“Over the past six months, our active participation in key events such as the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, SEERA, and ARE’s EAIF has been instrumental in advancing our advocacy for sustainable energy solutions in West Africa. These platforms allowed us to engage directly with influential stakeholders, discuss potential collaborations, and push for policies that align with our vision for a more sustainable and equitable energy future. Our commitment to driving significant change in the region is stronger than ever.” – Kadija Simboro, Energy Lead in West Africa

Farming that works

Sustainable farming practices are essential for improving livelihoods and ensuring food security across West Africa, especially in regions facing the dual challenges of climate change and resource degradation. Livestock farming, particularly pastoralism, plays a vital role in the economies of Sahelian countries, providing livelihoods for millions and contributing significantly to national GDPs. However, the sector faces challenges such as limited resources, climate variability, and regional conflicts, which impact the mobility and security of pastoral communities.

To address these issues, from March 12th to 14th, 2024, in Accra, Ghana, Practical Action West Africa participated in the second Regional Meeting of Institutional Transhumance Management Frameworks for Sahelian and Coastal Countries. Organised by the Réseau Billital Marobé (RBM) in collaboration with CILSS, the Ghana Cattle Ranching and Transhumance Committee (GCTRC), and the Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers (GNACAF), this event brought together key stakeholders, including public authorities, pastoral organisations, NGOs, and technical and financial partners, to strengthen regional cooperation and promote sustainable pastoral practices.

At this event, we presented the main findings of our study on the economic contribution of pastoralism to the GDP of Sahelian countries, focusing on Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. Conducted in partnership with the Billital Marobé Network on behalf of the FAO, the study highlights the need for continued investment in sustainable pastoralism and collaborative efforts to ensure peaceful and secure transhumance in the region. By advocating for these practices, we aim to improve resilience, promote economic stability, and enhance food security across West Africa.

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