Recent SWAC Publications

>> also see publications: 2008 | 2007 or by topic | >> contact: julia.wanjiru@oecd.org

West African Studies

West African Perspectives: Resources for Development (French)

This joint SWAC/ECOWAS publication explores West African resources (natural and economic resources but also social, cultural and human capital) from a regional perspective. It also gives the floor to six West African personalities who offer their views on the region’s future. The full “West Africa Report” (French version) is available on the SWAC website at: www.oecd.org/swac/westafricareport 

West African Studies

Regional Challenges of West African Migration: African and European Perspectives (French)

Drawing on contributions by international experts on various aspects of West African migration, this SWAC publication provides another perspective to current debates essentially focusing on security issues. The authors encourage "win-win" mobility for all regions involved (Europe, North Africa and West Africa). > learn more

Emersion in the Karakoro Basin

Cross-border Diaries, Issue 10

This issue focuses on the Karakoro basin, situated in the pre-Sahelian zone between Mali and Mauritania. Local border populations and their respective governors are demonstrating a strong commitment to border development. Farming, sedentary and transhumant livestock breeding are the main activities of the populations on both riversides. The Karakoro basin takes part in one of the four pilot initiatives conducted within the ECOWAS Cross-border Co-operation Initiatives Programme (CIP). This issue presents the Karakoro basin settlement programme, co-ordinated by the Research and Project Implementation Group for Rural Development (GRDR), natural resources, cross-border issues as well as interviews with local, national and international representatives.

Climate Change in West Africa:

Sahelian Adaptation Strategies

While Africa produces less than 4% of worldwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it is considered the world’s most vulnerable region with regard to the effects of climate change due to the fragility of its economies. Like all other regions, West Africa must take-up this challenge – essentially that of vulnerability and uncertainty. In addition to the analysis of the climate change impacts and a presentation of some adaptation strategies developed by agricultural producers in the Sahel, this SWAC Briefing Note presents opportunities and makes recommendations for West African leaders and development partners on how to address West Africa’s climate change challenges.

Atlas on Regional Integration

West African Studies (French)

This Atlas is both the driver and result of strategic thinking on regional integration in West Africa.  With maps, statistics and analyses, it describes West Africa, its population, its settlement, the territories, economy and its vulnerabilities. It sets out the progress made and the adaptation dynamics to an ever-evolving global context. The Atlas identifies the medium- and long-term trends and develops prospective strategic thinking.
>> forthcoming >> OECD Bookshop

>> Consult the Atlas chapters online

Maps : Form on Financing Agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa

Paris (France), 8-9 December 2008

At the initiative of the French Secretary of State responsible for Co-operation and Francophonie, European Ministries of Co-operation and Ministries of Finance and Agriculture of sub-Saharan African countries as well as international and African organisations (AfDB, ECOWAS, FAO, IFAD, SWAC/OECD, etc.) were invited to participate in this Conference. This SWAC presentation includes a series of maps illustrating the issues linked to investment and infrastructure for agricultural development in Africa.

> download the presentation (French)

Livestock and Regional Market in the Sahel & West Africa

Potentials and Challenges

This ECOWAS/SWAC study, conducted in collaboration with the CILSS, UEMOA and ROPPA within the framework of the Initiative on “Potentials and Challenges for Strengthening the Regional Market”, analyses the future of the livestock sector and its contribution to the regional economy.

It is part of a strategic thinking process to identify ways and means of enabling the livestock sector to play its role effectively as an engine of economic development in the individual countries and take part in the process of regional economic integration. Drawing on outcomes of this study, the SWAC developed a series of policy notes on the future of livestock. >> learn more

RPCA Policy Note

The 24th annual Food Crisis Prevention Network (RPCA) meeting, held in Dakar (Senegal) in November 2008, focused on the market’s role and its importance in the promotion of food security in the Sahel and West Africa. Network members also exchanged on the agricultural, food and nutritional situation for the 2008/09 campaign. This policy note highlights the main conclusions of this meeting as well as lessons learned from the rise of food commodity prices. It outlines recommendations for West African states, development partners and the RPCA network co-ordinators (CILSS, SWAC/OECD) aiming to facilitate decision-making.

West African Mobility & Migration Policies of OECD Countries

West African Studies

This SWAC/OECD publication contributes to the Euro-African dialogue initiated at the Rabat Conference in July 2006: it reviews migration policies in the main OECD countries receiving West African migrants and analyses the recent discussions within Europe. This report lists common approaches undertaken in Europe, Africa and West Africa and aims to shed light on decision makers’ strategic thinking. It provides the greater public with an understanding of this recent dynamic. > learn more

SWAC Briefing Note 2: Green Fuels for Development?

Improving Policy Coherence in West Africa

How can green fuel contribute to the development of the West Africa region where food security and strengthening purchase power are still major concerns? This note provides a review of facts and debates addressing opportunities, challenges and risks related to the development of green fuel in the Sahel and West Africa. It presents national and regional policies/strategies and proposes the creation of a Code of Good Conduct defining a “ Green Fuel for Development” label that could conciliate West Africa’s commercial, energetic and food objectives to find West Africa's place on the new worldwide energy market.

> SWAC Briefing Note 2

SWAC Briefing Note 1: Regional Co-operation as a Tool for Improving Aid Effectiveness

Proposal for an OECD Pilot Initiative on West Africa

This SWAC Briefing Note outlines nine action proposals, building on the know-how and various resources of the OECD Development Cluster and the SWAC’s West African partner organisations. The initiative aims to produce short‐term, measurable results in a pilot region (West Africa); outcomes could also feed into the strategic thinking process on regional aid effectiveness.

> SWAC Briefing Note 1  |  > summary

Communicable Diseases

Chapter of the Atlas on Regional Integration

On the whole, the African continent – particularly Sub-Saharan Africa – remains the last major world region where mortality rates – particularly infant mortality rates – continue to be very high and life expectancy low. This situation calls for a closer examination of the health and environmental conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Particular attention must be paid to nutritional and sanitation conditions, the accessible health infrastructure and personnel and to the health policies adopted at the national and regional level. This chapter of the Atlas on Regional Integration in West Africa provides an overview of the main diseases affecting the Sub-Saharan and West African population, the progress achieved in combating them and the challenges that remain.

> download this chapter (2 Mb)

Food Security Information Note No. 17

“What are the strategies to deal with the persisting rise in food product prices?”

The current situation calls for governments to be involved and take determinant action. Some recommended measures were made by the food Crisis Prevention Network (RPCA): (i) Increase efforts to reconstitute stocks in particular in at-risk zones and before the critical rainy season; (ii) Act immediately to stabilise prices; and (iii) Improve access conditions to food resources for the most vulnerable populations.

This CD-Rom was compiled to facilitate and improve the accessibility of SWAC products. It covers the 2005-2007 work cycle and includes the SWAC’s strategic papers, all thematic publications, major SWAC statements and the 2007 issues of the SWAC newsletter.

> to receive a CD-Rom, please contact: julia.wanjiru@oecd.org 

Like all other world regions, Africa and West Africa must take up the challenge of climate change which is essentially that of vulnerability and uncertainty. Analyses of this region have remained inadequate and the conclusions arrived at by climate projections and their consequences are too uncertain for an effective anticipation of the risks and opportunities linked to climate change. At a time when the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) and the “regional plan of action for reducing vulnerability in the face of climate change in West Africa” are being formulated, the development of more reliable information systems adapted to local and regional contexts should be at the heart of the strategies adopted. Greater awareness and participation by local actors will also be necessary to formulate and implement these adaptation strategies.

> download this chapter (4,9 Mb)

This Policy Note presents the main conclusions of the 23rd annual meeting of the Food Crisis Prevention Network in the Sahel and West Africa (RPCA). The numerous information and early warning mechanisms on the food situation need to be coordinated and analysed consensually in order to provide better quality information. The SWAC and the CILSS will continue to facilitate access to regional harmonised syntheses.

“Issues linked to the rise in prices of food products”

In January 2008, the global market average wheat export price was 81% higher than in 2007, the export price of corn has reached a 10-year high. Several reasons explain this trend: (i) price of oil and its impact on inputs and transport costs; (ii) the exchange rate as the US dollar is dropping sharply against other currencies. The hike in prices will affect particularly urban populations and food deficient rural households. 2008 will require close monitoring of a possible hike in prices of some food commodities on major local markets.

At a time when an increasing number of countries are facing demographic decline, West Africa will, for a long time, continue to experience strong population growth. Managing urban growth, including setting-up infrastructure and adequate services for an increasing number of demanding citizens must be considered a public policy priority. The younger generation should also be given high priority. Today, 60% of West Africans are under 25 years of age and 70% are under 30. This chapter of the Atlas on Regional Integration in West Africa presents global demographic trends, urban dynamics and West African-specific demographic behavior patterns. It provides the necessary groundwork to understand the social, geographic and economic changes and perspectives in West Africa.

> download this chapter (4,3 Mb)

Summary Record of the 23rd RPCA Annual Meeting

Brussels, 27-30 November 2007

The Summary record presents key conclusions and recommendations of the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Food Crisis Prevention Network of the Sahel and West Africa (RPCA): it synthesis outcomes of the agricultural campaign 2007/2008, explains the modalities of the setting-up of agricultural information systems such as AGRIS, IPC and other analytical tools for examining the food and nutrition situation, and presents best practices and crisis intervention mechanisms. It also analyses some aspects of the region’s agricultural and trade policies. The agenda and list of participants complete this report.

> read the summary record (French)

Policy Coherence in the Fisheries Sector in Seven West African Countries

The Development Dimension Series, OECD (2008)

This report presents outcomes of a study, conducted by the OECD Fisheries Policies Division, in partnership with the SWAC and ENDA Diapol/REPAO, which takes a developing country perspective on the issue of policy coherence in fisheries. The aim of the study is to apply the OECD policy coherence for development analytical framework to the fisheries situation within a regional African context. Seven West African countries (Cape Verde, the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal and Sierra Leone, - all members of the Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission) are analysed within this framework. Key areas for action by international, regional and local partners are suggested in the report, including the need for a multi-stakeholder dialogue on policy coherence as a priority-setting exercise.

Summary Record of the SWAC’s SPG Meeting

SWAC Headquarters, Issy-les-Moulineaux/Paris, 13-14 September 2007
This Strategy and Policy Group (SPG) meeting took place as a workshop to discuss the SWAC’s 2008-2012 work programme. Based on the review of the 2005-2007 Work Plan concluding at the end of December 2007, members made suggestions and recommendations for the outline of the next five year (2008-2012) programme.

> download the summary record

Final Summary of the Governance Workshop

Dakar and Saly (Senegal), 16-19 October 2007

Organised by the SWAC and ECOWAS, with the participation of the Women’s Group and the Youth Co-ordination Group, the workshop aimed to promote and facilitate the implementation of regional governance and conflict prevention instruments in West Africa. The final summary presents key outcomes of the workshop and outlines proposals for an Action Plan aiming to support the dissemination of these regional instruments.

> download the final summary

Food Security Information Note No. 15

“Assessment Time”
This issue provides a detailed analysis of the food, nutritional and agricultural situation for the 2007/2008 campaign, presented at the 23rd annual meeting of the Food Crisis Prevention Network (see above). It also informs on stakes and challenges in terms of food and nutritional security and provides a series of information sources.

> download the Information Note (No. 15)

Since 1960, world cocoa production has increased threefold, from 1.2 to 3.6 million tonnes. This growth was punctuated by several jolts caused by structural adjustment policies, crop infestations, diseases and market speculation, all of which have affected production. Three countries in the inter-tropical zone growing cocoa beans, dominate world production: Côte d’Ivoire (39%), Ghana (21%) and Indonesia (13%).The important West African production basin extends from Guinea to Cameroon where, apart from Benin, all the countries grow cocoa trees. Two-thirds of world cocoa production originates from West Africa alone. The political crisis in Côte d’ivoire has not compromised this region’s dominance at all. However in order to maintain its position the continent must strike a balance between increasing production and preserving quality.

> download this chapter (3 Mb)

Summary record of the DDR & Post-Conflict Workshop

The regional workshop on "DDR, Post-conflict and Development in West Africa" took stock of the current situation of post-conflict countries in West Africa and identified the challenges related to the socio-cultural, political and economic reconstruction processes. The Summary Report highlights key outcomes of this meeting that represents the second step in the setting up of a Regional Working Group on the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) and Post-Conflict.

> read the summary record | > learn more

Food Security Information Note No. 14

“Cereal production slightly below 2006 production”

A look at the agricultural and food situation in West African coastal countries reveals that provisional production is higher compared to 2006 in Guinea Conakry (1%), Togo (5%), Benin (10%) and 7.3% lower in Ghana. Production data for Nigeria and other coastal countries is currently being analysed but not yet available. A rather significant structural deficit has been recorded in Cape Verde, the Gambia Guinea Bissau, Mauritania and Senegal.

> download the Information Note (No. 14)

The Diaries have decided to explore other boundaries and regions: those which have received a great deal of media coverage like the United States-Mexican border, others that have been planned out as in China, or which have been transformed into economic corridors in the great Mekong, those in regions exiting from crisis such as Kosovo, or where now exist regional highways like the “Maputo corridor” linking up South Africa with Mozambique. Common areas of interest in West African border co-operation: economic concerns highlighting complementarities, administrative impediments, cultural identity, inter-ethnic links to preserve, even under pressure. This exploration concluded that there is cohesiveness among all border peoples.

> Issue No.7 (2,5 Mb)

Food Security Information Note, No.13

"Should satisfactory agricultural and food prospects be expected?"
After a late start to the agricultural season in mid-July accompanied by irregular rains, rainfall was intense throughout the region during August and September. Significant flooding affected several countries in the Sahel and West Africa. The consequences due to flooding are currently being evaluated. The agricultural and food situation is generally satisfactory throughout the Sahel and West Africa. Agricultural product markets remain well-supplied. However, perspectives remain linked to rainfall activity at the end of the rainy season. More particularly, rain continuing at least until mid-October could be a serious determining factor. A selection of information sources and reference documents completes this monthly information note.

> download the information note (No.13)

Contributions to Orientations of the 2008-2012 Work Plan

The aim of this document is to contribute to the debate on the content of the SWAC Work Plan for the 2008–2012 period. This document will serve as a reference for the SPG meeting to be held at the SWAC headquarters in Paris on 13 and 14 September 2007. To this end, this document proposes a framework for debate punctuated with questions. It is by no means a binding framework, as other issues may be raised by participants. The results of this joint, free and open debate will contribute to the development of a draft five-year Work Plan that will be submitted to the SPG meeting in January 2008 for review and approval.

> download the information note

Food Security Information Note, No.12

“Coping with the consequences of flooding!”: The late and irregular rains in July were replaced by flooding affecting many of the Sahelian and West African countries: Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, the Gambia, Mali,Niger, Nigeria, Mauritania, and Senegal. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that approximately 65 000 people were affected by flooding in July and August. What are the consequences for the agricultural and food situation? What stance and what actions need to be taken? This issue also provides a selection of information sources and reference documents.

> download the information note (No.12)

Admittedly, West Africa’s current share of the global coffee market is not very significant. But it could become so in the coming 20-25 years. Firstly, because coffee is a profitable crop, especially in areas where cocoa cannot be grown. Furthermore, increased freight costs have given West Africa a comparative advantage with a view to global competitiveness. Finally, there are limited possibilities for additional production in other regions of the world. This chapter of the Atlas on Regional Integration in West Africa provides a global overview of the world coffee production and consumption and the stakes in international trade. It then analyses the evolution and prospects of the West African coffee market.

> download this chapter (4,8 Mb)

Food Security Information Note, No.11

“A slow start to the rainy season in the Sahel until mid-July 2007”: Besides these seasonal forecasts, the 2007/2008 Agricultural Campaign throughout the Sahel is off to a rocky start due notably to irregular rains. This issue presents a general analysis of the food and agriculture situation in West Africa in July 2007. It also raises some key issues and provides a selection of information sources and reference documents

> download the Information Note (No.11)

Rural development policies cannot look to the past to prepare for the future, for over the last 45 years, West Africa’s rural landscape has witnessed deep-seated changes. The growing population and urbanization have turned West Africa into a regional market. Rural and urban areas, local and national levels are closely interlinked and interdependent; they have jointly entered the competitive era. This chapter of the Atlas on Regional Integration in West Africa, a joint ECOWAS/SWAC activity,  focuses on the rural environment and agricultural changes in West Africa. The work has benefitted from inputs of the Rural Development Division of the FAO’s Sustainable Development Department.

> download this chapter (4,9 Mb)

This edition of the Border Diaries is a composite, travelling all along the already-explored borders… It examines the progress accomplished in the ECOWAS pilot operations in the zones of Niger-Nigeria, Mali-Burkina Faso, and focuses more on Senegambie Meridionale. It also reports on other areas: Dosso and Gaya embroiled in a passionate debate on the future of a dry port; a meeting in Tillabéri with the aim of curbing the violence linked to border transhumance. Out of the field, the Diaries closely follow the development of the new African Union’s Border Programme which is inspired by West African experiences and the SWAC’s work in the region.

> Issue No.6 (2,2 Mb)

Karakoro Basin Pilot Operation - Summary Record

The second meeting, organised in Kayes (Mali) in February 2007 within the framework of the Karakoro Basin pilot operation, validated the 2007-2010 cross-border action plan. The summary record reviews the Basin’s border co-operation issues and potential. It also provides an overview of the zone based on outcomes of three studies, presented at the workshop: (i) Infrastructure; (ii) Dynamics of the Local Economy; and (iii) Natural Resources Management. This pilot operation is conducted within the framework of the ECOWAS Cross-Border Initiatives Programme. It is co-ordinated by the GRDR, WABI’s network partner along with the SWAC and ENDA-Diapol. The initiative was officially launched in Nouakchott (Mauritania) in September 2006. The next meeting is scheduled for September 2007, to be held in Bamako (Mali).

> download the summary record of the Kayes meeting

Policy Coherence for Development in Fisheries

Using existing case study material on fisheries in seven West African countries from ENDA Diapol (Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal) and the UK Department For International Development (Sierra Leone), the SWAC and the OECD’s Fisheries Division have jointly developed an analysis of policy coherence across a number of broad policy areas. The work is an initial overview of policy coherence in fisheries in West Africa and serves as a practical tool for dialogue among policy makers in a region characterized by a dynamic fisheries sector of particular importance. The intent is to present the results of the analysis and the methodology developed at a regional meeting of policy makers, private sector and civil society actors and disseminate a synthesis of the main results to OECD member countries working in this region. In particular, the analysis covers fisheries and aquaculture management, trade and environmental policies and provides a cross-sectoral analysis on the interplay between these policy areas within the regional West African context.

> > e-version upcoming (French)

Food Security Information Note, No.10

“Will there be an exceptionally favourable lean period in the Sahel?”: The meeting of the CILSS Mechanism for Prevention of Food Crises in West Africa (PREGEC) confirmed the favourable food trends in West Africa observed since the beginning of 2007. In addition to the monthly analysis of the food situation in West Africa, this issue presents initiatives such as CORESA, AGRIS, etc. which aim to develop better synergistic actions with regard to food security in the Sahel and West Africa. The Note also raises key issues and provides a selection of information and document reference sources.

> download the Information Note (No.10)

All major international energy firms are investing heavily in Africa, wells are being drilled along the entire coast from Morocco in the North to Namibia in the South as well as in the interior. Production and proven reserves have attained new heights. Currently, several factors are influencing oil production in West Africa: strong global demand, prices at levels not seen in almost thirty years, new technologies in oil and gas exploration and production, etc. This chapter of the Atlas on Regional Integration shows the current situation of world oil and gas production and the role West African oil and gas is predicted to play over the next decades. It also highlights some of the future challenges and stakes in the region.

“Processing of Agro-food animal products in the Sahel and West Africa: essential for strengthening intra and extra-regional trade”

The fact that urban West African consumers are increasingly geared towards processed foods has often been neglected in the analysis of the evolution of the African food system. Policy Note No. 6, produced within the framework of the SWAC initiative on “Potentials and Challenges for Strengthening the Regional Market” focuses on the analysis of this phenomenon and its impact on intra and extra-regional trade. There is a gap that needs to be bridged between food consumption patterns and animal product marketing systems.

Information Sheets on Cross-Border Pilot Operations

Creation of a Cross-Border Radio Stations Network in Sénégambie méridionale
The work carried out by the SWAC and its WABI network partners over the past three years illustrates, through its concrete field-level experiences, the great potential of cross-border radio station networks to strengthen West African integration. This information sheet describes the creation and evolution of the cross-border radio stations network in the Sénégambie méridionale region.

> e-version upcoming

Community Radio Stations, New African Integration Actors
At a time when development issues are being addressed increasingly more at the sub-regional level than at the national level, community radio stations are starting to play a determining role in the strengthening of West African integration. This information sheet presents achievements, opportunities and challenges of this new cross-border co-operation tool.

> download the Information sheet

Follow-up to the Karakoro Basin Pilot Operation

This Cross-border Land Planning Programme is a result of extensive lobbying carried out by the GRDR in the Senegal River Basin (Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal) for over thirty years. It is based on numerous cross-border cooperation agreements and conventions linking Mali and Mauritania since independence. This information sheet takes stock of the evolution of this pilot operation from its origin to today.

> download the Information sheet (English/French)

Follow-up to the Kano-Katsina-Maradi (K2M) Pilot Operation
The aim of this pilot operation in the cross-border area between Niger and Nigeria is to launch a cooperation process with regard to food security among local actors on both sides of the border and to propose a mechanism to monitor cross-border trade flows in the region. Following a preparatory mission carried out by the SWAC and its partners in May 2007, workshop to be held in Katsina (Nigeria) in July 2007 will officially launch the pilot operation in this region.

An Integrated Development Strategy for the Apiculture Industry between Senegal, the Gambia and Guinea Bissau
This Information sheet analyses the impact and potential of the beekeeping industry as a driver for development in the cross-border zone of Sénégambie méridionale. This pilot operation, implemented since 2006 within the framework of the ECOWAS Cross-border Initiatives Programme (CIP) provides support to the development of the beekeeping industry on both sides of the border, leading to a proposal to set up a network of beekeepers. The sheet presents their main areas of cross-border action.
> download the Information sheet

Food Security Information Note, No.9

An overall satisfactory food situation going into the 2007 wintering period: This issue presents a general analysis of the food and agriculture situation in West Africa in March 2007. It also raises some key issues and provides a selection of information sources and reference documents.
> download the information note No.9

The SWAC produced, in collaboration with the FAO, a working document on the rural environment in West Africa. Agricultural activity remains the great consumer of land and resources in the rural environment, but generates increasingly fewer jobs. Communities and areas are diversifying in terms of land cover and economic activities; more people are attracted to urban/sub-urban and coastal areas hoping to find employment. This publication will soon be synthesized in a new chapter of the Atlas on Regional Integration in West Africa. It examines the transformation of the rural environment and illustrates with numerous maps the issues linked to territorial coverage and management, production dynamics and reviving rural areas.

This edition of the Food Security Information Note confirms the positive trend and overall satisfactory food situation of the 2006-2007 Agricultural Campaign. The Food Security Information Note provides a short overview of recent developments of the general agriculture and food situation in the Sahel and West Africa. It also presents key issues and proposes information sources and selected background documents.
> download the information note (No.7)

This working document was elaborated upon the request of ECOWAS as reference to facilitate exchanges and discussions at the ECOWAS Commission Retreat that was held in Ouagadougou from 26 February - 3 March 2007. While providing information on West Africa and ECOWAS, it also addresses a large number of strategic key questions concerning the region’s future. The document will be finalised following the Retreat.
> download the working document (French) 

This special edition of the cross-border diaries focuses on food security in West Africa. It includes a special report on food security and cross-border trade in the Kano-Katsina-Maradi (K²M) corridor, an analysis of the 2005 food crisis in Niger, a presentation of the Food Crisis Prevention Network (FCPN) and various interviews with food security experts. Two local cross-border initiatives are presented: The cross-border network of Senegambian community radio stations and the creation of a network of Senegambian beekeeping professionals.

> Issue No.5 (2,5 Mb)

The “Governance, Conflict Dynamics, Peace and Security” Unit compiled a CD-Rom including all summary reports and presentations of meetings held in 2005 and 2006.

Information note on the role and evolution of aquaculture in West Africa: The majority of the West African population depends on fish-based resources for their daily sustenance. With the emergence of aquaculture around the world, the opportunity for West Africa to harness this technology is of keen interest to both the public and private sector.
> download the information note

The Food Security Information Note provides a short overview of recent evolutions in the general agriculture and food situation in the Sahel and West Africa. It also presents key issues and proposes information sources and selected background documents.
> download the information note (No.6)

The Sahel and West Africa Club’s 2006 Progress Report is based on the Orientations of the 2005-2007 Work Plan validated by the Strategy and Policy Group in November 2004. The Orientations document is therefore an essential tool to accompany the reading of the Progress Report.
The report is comprised of three chapters:

• In the first chapter, the SWAC reviews the implementation of the SPG’s recommendations within the framework of the 2005-2007 Work Plan.
• In the second chapter, the SWAC's four Units provide a synthesis of their main activities in 2006 highlighting the results achieved.
• The third chapter provides an update of the costs and financing of the 2006 Work Programme.

China is currently the third world economic power after the United States and Japan. As the third-ranking trading partner, strategic investor, development partner and future financial source, China is shaking up the balance of power established on the continent since independence. The impact is so great that traditional partners – Europe and the United States in particular – are forced to review their relations with Africa. This chapter of the Atlas on Regional Integration in West Africa examines the issues involved in these new dynamics. As the Chinese strategy is first and foremost African, the "Africa and China" chapter focuses on the entire continent, even though West Africa is studied whenever possible.

> download this chapter (5,8 Mb)

The Sahel and West Africa Club has developed in collaboration with its partners (CILSS, ECOWAS, ROPPA, UEMOA), a series of policy notes on the future of livestock in the Sahel and West Africa. This SWAC initiative on “Potentials and Challenges for Strengthening the Regional Market” aims to contribute to the two first ECOWAP objectives (Economic Community of West African States Agricultural Policy): (i) Increase food security by reducing the dependence on food imports; (ii) Reducing poverty 

> Six policy notes are already available.

The SWAC's Cross-Border Calendar 2007, created by the Local Development and the Process of Regional Integration Unit, invites you to discover various border regions and border issues in West Africa. By presenting various West African pilot border areas, community projects and cross-border initiatives, it illustrates that cross-border co-operation is a driver of regional integration, development and peace.