Chad is located in Central Africa, with Niger to its west and Libya to its north. The country’s total land area is 1.284 million sq km. In comparison, it is slightly smaller than Peru, or about three times the size of the state of California in the U.S. The country’s climate is tropical in the south and arid desert in the north. Of the total land area, less than three percent is arable and utilized for cultivated crops, while no measurable amount of the total land supports permanent crops such as fruit- and nut-bearing trees. The country’s population is approximately 10.3 million, with 80 percent dependent on subsistence farming and livestock for their livelihoods. Current development issues facing the country include an inadequate potable water supply and improper waste disposal in rural areas, contributing to soil and water contamination.
Chad's primarily agricultural economy will continue to be boosted by major foreign direct investment projects that began in 2000. Also, as a major cotton producer, Chad’s government has joined with three other cotton-producing countries in the region – Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali (known as the Cotton-4 countries) – to lobby in the World Trade Organization for fewer subsidies to cotton producers in other competing countries. Other agricultural products in Chad include sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice, potatoes, cassava, cattle, sheep, goats and camels. The North and West Africa Division is responsible for IFDC activities in Chad.
Current IFDC Projects in Chad
- The West Africa Cotton Improvement Program (WACIP), 2007-2012
WACIP is boosting the productivity and profitability of the cotton sector in Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali, known as the Cotton-4 countries. IFDC works with farmers, researchers, input distributors, private enterprises, inter-professional associations and textile artisans – promoting advanced agricultural practices that improve yields, building capacities, supporting the ginning sector and training artisans to access regional and international markets.
DONOR: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Chad Information
Articles
IFDC Core Competency: Gender Equity is Key to Feeding the Hungry
WACIP Extended into 2012
Cotton Boosts Food Security in the C-4 Countries (Taken from IFDC Report Volume 35, No.2 in English and French)
WACIP Videos
WACIP Expo Artisanal ORTM 3 Octobre 2009
WACIP Atelier Regional IPM GIFS Avril 2008