12% of West African population is food insecure – ECOWAS

The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has lamented the food insecurity bedevilling the West African sub-region. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the validation of the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on plastic management and the ECOWAS initiative towards economic integration through trade, environment and agriculture, the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs […]

The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has lamented the food insecurity bedevilling the West African sub-region.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the validation of the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on plastic management and the ECOWAS initiative towards economic integration through trade, environment and agriculture, the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs Damtien Tchintchibidja, referencing the 2024 FAO State of Food Security Report, said that 12% of the West African population is food insecure.

“The causes can be attributed to adverse effects of climate change, poor functioning of regional markets, policy incoherence, and restrictive trade policies, as well as conflicts,” she said, adding that the ECOWAS is committed to advancing regional strategies that promote renewable energy, sustainable land use, and resilience against climate shocks.

She said the ECOWAS Commission, through its Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, is implementing a portfolio of strategic projects aimed at strengthening industrial development, promoting trade, boosting agricultural productivity, improving food and nutritional security, and accelerating inclusive economic growth in all member states.

“These initiatives aim to give operational content to ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the broader objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

She said, “Agriculture remains the backbone of our economies, employing millions and ensuring food security. Guided by the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP), our interventions aim to modernise production, strengthen value chains, and promote agribusiness that is inclusive and competitive.

“Furthermore, we are advancing the West Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health initiatives, which are critical for improving productivity, restoring degraded lands, and ensuring sustainable food systems.

“By investing in soil health and fertiliser access, we are laying the foundation for resilient agriculture that can feed our people and create jobs for our youth and women,” she said.

Speaking at the meeting, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari, said Nigeria is pursuing a comprehensive modernisation agenda under the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy.

He said, “NATIP provides the organising framework that links technology adoption, market efficiency, farmer support and institutional reform into one coherent pathway for strengthening our food system.

“As we prepare for its midterm review, we are deepening alignment with the Kampala Declaration so that Nigeria’s national reforms contribute directly to the regional targets set for 2026 to 2035.

 

“This week, experts from across the region will convene for two engagements that lie at the heart of agricultural transformation. The regional workshop on fertiliser quality control, soil initiatives and the development of a comprehensive fertiliser market strategy begins here in Abuja, alongside the annual technical follow-up meetings on the implementation of the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy, which will continue into early December.

 

“These discussions go to the core of our shared objectives in strengthening input systems, improving programme delivery and ensuring that regional agricultural planning remains coordinated, credible and forward-looking.”