Supported by

Global Forum on Food Security and Nutritionin West AfricaRationale

by Renata Mirulla

www.fao.org/fsnforum/west-africa

Supported by

Why West Africa • Many initiatives such as ECOWAS’ Hunger-Free

Initiative for West Africa aimed at raising policy attention and action

• No other food security and nutrition platforms/networks specifically focused on West Africa

• Strong FAO presence through regional office• Plan to set up regional networks• Thematic interest in the region• Need to enhance stakeholders participation in

food security and nutrition discourse

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Vision for the FSN Forum in West Africa

“The online platform for food security and nutrition dialogues in West Africa, inclusive of a wide range of stakeholders and supporting outreach and effectiveness of policy initiatives”

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AimsThe FSN Forum in West Africa aims at achieving this vision by:• Strengthening the interaction and knowledge

exchange within the West African development community;

• Providing an accessible, transparent and inclusive link between relevant stakeholders and food security policy processes;

• Bridging the knowledge divide through the dissemination of achievements, research outputs and best practices.

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Principles of the FSN in West Africa• Participative / collaborative network• Demand-driven• Active facilitation and moderation

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What members of FSN in West Africa can do • Raise concerns, propose topics of interest and

submit queries• Provide feedback on programmes and policies

aimed at achieving food security and nutrition in the region through online consultations

• Learn from discussions• Network with other members based in the region

or with a professional interest in the region • Post and find news and events of interest to West

Africa

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Actors involved

• Yourselves • Stakeholders in West Africa• Decision-makers of FSN initiatives in West Africa

• FAO hq• FAORAF • FSN Forum Team

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What we did until now

• Survey among FSN Forum Members from West Africa

• Creation of dedicataed webspace• Mailinglist

• Existing Forum Members affiliated to West Africa

• Experts interested in West Africa• 1st online discussion• Outreach and promotion

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Survey results

Topic Interest rate

Safety nets for improved food security 52%

Role and responsibility of civil society for a Hunger Free West Africa

51%

Articulation and coordination of policies affecting food security

50%

Early warning systems on food and agriculture 46%

Trade and food security 40%

Microfinance and food security 25%

Food banks 19%

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Current features and services of the of the FSN Forum in West Africa• Online discussions• Members list and contact function• French and English pages• Surveys• News and events

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Current membership By country

Nigeria 14%

Senegal 14%

Burkina Faso 13%

Ghana 9%

Benin 8%

Mali 7%

Cape Verde 7%

Guinea Bissau 6%

Niger 5%

Togo 5%

Côte d'Ivoire 4%

Gambia 2%

Sierra Leone 2%

Guinea 1%

Liberia 1%

Nigeria

SenegalBurk-

ina Faso

Ghana

Benin

Mali

Niger

Togo

Côte d'Ivoir

e

Gambia Sierra Leone Guinea Liberia

West African populationrepresentation by country

Total members: 1750

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Current membership

Technical cooperation 3%

Government 20%

Private Sector 3%

NGO/CSO 35%

UN/intergovernmental organizations 14%

Financial Institutions 2%

Academic/Research bodies 20%

Philanthropic Associations 2%

Independent/other 1%

By affiliation

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The website

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The digest

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How can social protection contribute to food security and nutrition in West Africa?1. understanding of social protection and how it can

address West African countries’ needs

2. social protection programmes or interventions taking place; challenges, weaknesses and recommendations.

3. Implementation of social protection initiatives to increase agricultural production and productivity, and improve food security and nutrition

4. roles for government, civil society organizations, private sector, academics and other development partners and linkages between social protection, food security and nutrition and agriculture.

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Statistics of the first discussionFacilitated by Anna Antwi & Al Hassan Cissé

From 16 October to 13 November

39 contributions

Government 8%

Private Sector 5%

NGO/CSO 30%

UN/intergovernmental organizations 11%

Academic/Research bodies 32%

Philanthropic Associations 3%

Independent/other 12%

Other

Benin

Burkina Faso

Togo

Ghana

Nigeria

Senegal

Mali

Countries Affiliation

31%69%

Gender

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Issues raised • Consensus on the definition and need for social

protection in West Africa

• Issues about targeting (unclear or not effective), limited involvement of beneficiaries, role of traditional systems of social protection

• Suggestions on how social protection can integrate with agriculture interventions and build linkages with other sectors

• Importance of political will and roles of civil society organizations and decentralised institutions

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Feedback and comments received “I am really happy about the West Africa consultation. Reading contributions from different people gladdens my heart and gave the assurance that the future is certainly not bleak.” Apiriola Victoria Tosin, Nigeria

“The FSN Forum in West Africa is a great idea! I will fully participate in the discussions envisaged.” Sambou B. Nget, The Gambia

“Food Security Forum for West Africa is a sound initiative! The forum is highly welcomed. Thank you.” Stephen O. Adejoro, Nigeria

« Le réseau régional est le bienvenue car il existe des politiques agricoles régionales qu'il faut harmoniser. » Georges Bazongo, Burkina Faso

« Je vous assure de mon total soutien à cette initiative! » Angèle Amouzou Djake Bansah, Togo

« Merci pour cette belle initiative! Bon vent pout cet instrument très utile. » Malam Karami Lawali, Niger