Harnessing Agricultural Potential for Growth and Development in West Africa

This report shows that despite its huge agricultural potential consisting of large expanses of unexploited agricultural land, forests and rivers, West Africa remains one of the poorest regions in the world and suffers from chronic food deficits. This is due to many structural and natural challenges confronting the sector. These include; low productivity, low levels of investment, poor infrastructure in farming areas, low levels of education amongst farmers, lack of integration of the agricultural sector with other sectors, poor market integration, land access challenges, especially amongst women, lack of extension services, low levels of technology (including seed, fertilizer) and limited financial assistance. The highly unpredictable rainfall patterns in the Sahelian countries compounds the problems.