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Overview
According to the United Nations Food Program, more than 52 million people—nearly 12% of the region’s population—are at risk of worsening food insecurity during the lean season, which runs from June to August, posing a risk of environmental conflicts. During this period, conflicts arise between farmers and pastoralists over natural resources, such as water and grazing land. The region is already vulnerable due to extremist terrorism: economically marginalized youth in rural areas are targeted for recruitment by armed groups with promises of financial stability.
Farming can bring better economic conditions and foster a sense of community for youth. It accounts for almost 70% of the active workforce in African countries. Involving youth in agroecological farming within their villages can create a sense of community and deter recruitment. To address environmental conflicts, farmers can be educated on how to optimise their resources and apply ecological methods to adapt to climate change. These programs across the countries could leverage agriculture as a tool to build a green economy, innovation, generate jobs, and provide a sustainable path to peace.
Project Goal
Agroecopaix aims to reduce food insecurity, strengthen the economic independence of displaced families, and mitigate conflict-related violence through sustainable agricultural initiatives. The project also educates communities on adapting to climate change.
Objectives
1. Establish diversified agricultural production
Establish diversified agricultural production including food crop fields (rice, maize, millet, sorghum), market gardening (tomatoes, onions, peppers, lettuce), cash crops (cotton, peanuts, sesame), fruit tree cultivation (mango, orange, banana, lemon), and horticulture (local ornamental plants).
2. Develop livestock activities
Develop livestock activities such as cattle (cows, oxen), sheep and goat farming, poultry (chickens, laying hens, turkeys), pig farming, beekeeping (honey), fish farming (tilapia), and snail farming.
3. Process harvested crops into locally valued market products
Process harvested crops into locally valued market products, including cereal processing (flour, semolina), cassava processing (attiéké, gari, tapioca), oil production (peanut, sesame), dairy processing (yogurt), preservation (smoking), natural juices, jam production, and rice milling.
4. Promote market access and distribution
Promote market access and distribution by supporting the sale of processed agricultural products in local markets, establishing short supply chains, and creating a pan-African distribution network, including exports to neighboring food-insecure areas.
5. Empower local populations
Empower local populations by involving communities in decision-making, providing training, fair compensation, and social protection (health insurance, unemployment benefits, pensions) to strengthen economic independence and reduce vulnerability to extremist recruitment.
Opportunities
- Using agriculture as a tool for conflict prevention and climate adaptation
- Enhancing food security for displaced populations and vulnerable communities
- Creating inclusive economic opportunities and social protection networks
- Building scalable pan-African agricultural production and distribution systems
Expected Impact
- Increased agricultural production and diversification in Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Togo, and Chad
- Improved livelihoods and economic independence for displaced families and vulnerable populations
- Reduced risks of recruitment by terrorist groups through strengthened community resilience
- Development of sustainable local markets and short supply chains for agricultural products
- Strengthened community decision-making and participation in project governance