The exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is significantly hampering the execution of regional agricultural projects, the ECOWAS Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF) has disclosed.
At its 12th Strategic Orientation Committee meeting held in Lomé, Togo, the Agency reported that restricted access to project sites and weakened collaboration with the three Sahelian countries are stalling key initiatives under the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP).
Founded in 2013, RAAF is the specialized agency responsible for coordinating and implementing ECOWAP—an ambitious policy aimed at ensuring food security, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable agriculture throughout the West African region.
The Strategic Orientation Committee plays a crucial governance role, offering a platform for accountability, strategic alignment, and knowledge sharing between RAAF and its development partners.
During the meeting, committee members reviewed RAAF's 2024 activity report, financial statements, and the proposed 2025 budget. The Agency reported that its project implementation achieved a physical execution rate of 72%, financial execution of 75%, and an overall efficiency of 74%.
However, major operational challenges persist. Massandjé Touré-Litsé, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, acknowledged that security instability in the Sahel region—compounded by the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—has significantly hindered progress.
"The security crisis in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger has hampered access to project areas," Touré-Litsé said, adding that their withdrawal from ECOWAS further complicates coordination.
While she assured that alternative mechanisms are being explored to maintain their participation in agricultural development, Touré-Litsé emphasized the need for more sustainable and structured solutions.
"I can assure you that the authorities of our regional community are actively working on this," she added.
Despite the headwinds, RAAF reaffirmed its commitment
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