North and West Africa Division (NWAFD)

IFDC's North and West Africa Division is responsible for a region comprising more than 25 countries with 523 million inhabitants. The area is sweeping in its size and scope of agricultural, economic and social needs. Of this total population, 280 million are rural residents most likely to be directly affected by our programs.

The objective of NWAFD is to enhance the region's agricultural value chains through sustainable agricultural advancement projects. With scientific, sociologic and economic implications, IFDC projects serve the majority of Sub-Saharan Africa, targeting markets in North, Central and West Africa that are too small to foster dynamic and competitive agricultural environments. Over the years, these programs have affected millions of farmers who depend on crops grown on their small parcels of land – moving them away from subsistence to become active participants in local and regional agricultural trade.

NWAFD, led by André de Jager, has long-standing partnerships with policymakers, government ministries, non-governmental organizations, regional business groups and research institutions. These relationships allow the division to be more effective in the countries that it serves, providing greater agricultural knowledge, superior agro-inputs and better supply systems – all in an environment that is dynamic and competitive.

The division’s agricultural interventions generally take a three-tier approach, with focuses on input technology development, capacity building and the advancement of agribusiness through the organization of economic partnerships.

Agro-Input Technology

Each area served by IFDC faces unique challenges. Specialized fertilizer, seed, crop protection and irrigation research is conducted in an effort to have the maximum effect on the quality and quantity of crop yields. Demonstration fields are an integral part of this process, allowing hands-on training and experience for farmers – and quicker adoption of these technologies by other smallholders.

Capacity Building

To facilitate best practices in agro-input supply, trade and use, the division connects businesses and entrepreneurs to IFDC-trained agro-dealers who in turn educate, train and support local farmers. To further assist smallholders in this progressive market system, NWAFD has instituted voucher programs for federal and state governments. These voucher programs – also called “smart subsidies” – allow farmers more timely and cost-effective access to quality inputs and provide support at harvest. The result of these efforts is freer movement of agro-inputs, greater protection of public health and the environment, and the creation or expansion of supply systems that ensure smallholder farmers greater access to quality agro-inputs at affordable prices.

Development of Economic Partnerships

IFDC’s economic and policy development experts are actively involved in the region, offering policy advice and assistance on subsidies, trade reforms, financial sectors and macro-policy to governments, government agencies and regional economic communities. IFDC has provided policy development assistance to various countries in the form of market assessment studies, policy dialogue and advice, policy and trade studies and general agriculture market intelligence.

NWAFD encourages and supports the development of associations, farmer organizations and other bodies that create agricultural training and education programs, as well as collective purchasing and selling power for smallholder farmers. These local and regional support systems are crucial in providing increased access to affordable, high-quality fertilizer and seed. They also provide opportunities for the sale of excess crop outputs to entrepreneurs and independent purchasing organizations at recognized market rates.

Through these projects and initiatives, NWAFD has seen sustainable advancements in high value crops such as maize, rain-fed and irrigated rice, cotton and cocoa, among others. There have also been sustainable advancements in staple crops that help feed farm families and urban dwellers. It is IFDC’s mission to continue these efforts to help smallholder farmers benefit financially, achieve sustainable agriculture and create more secure agricultural value chains.

Current NWAFD Projects

Recent NWAFD Projects

IFDC Offices in North and West Africa

NWAFD has offices in Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal, with regional headquarters in Lomé, Togo. These offices are staffed by more than 200 experienced professionals whose mission is the alleviation of hunger and poverty and the establishment of food security and agricultural sustainability in the region.

NWAFD Regional Headquarters

IFDC Togo
144 Rue Solayo
B.P. 4483
Lomé, Togo
Telephone: +(228) 22 26 99 91 / 22 26 72 02 / 22 26 99 96/ 22 26 93 31
Telefax: +(228) 22 26 78 17
E-Mail: ifdctogo@ifdc.org

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