The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has launched a training programme on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in West African agriculture. The programme aims to strengthen the capacity of the national technical services responsible for addressing risks related to natural disasters and climate change through early warning systems and weather forecasts. Read on

Simone Zoundi, created the Sodepal company in the 1970s in Ouagadougou and has lived a life dedicated to the promotion of agro-food chains in support of local and regional development. From the very beginning, she invested in local production and developed her company, which today distributes cookies, fortified flour and many other products across the country. She now has plans to expand her business and share her experience with other West African countries. Read on

At the 52nd Ordinary Session of the CILSS Council of Ministers, held on 11 March in Nouakchott, members made important decisions about CILSS leadership positions. CILSS Executive Secretary Djimé Adoum will resume his duties at the end pf March 2017. The vacant position of the Institute of the Sahel (INSAH), a specialised agency of CILSS based in Bamako, will be filled by Mauritanian Mohamed Abdellai Ebbe. As for the Agrhymet Regional Centre, based in Niamey, CILSS will start the recruitment process for a new general director as soon as possible. Read on

“Strengthening rural livelihoods in the face of rapid urbanisation in Africa” was the topic of a Brussels Briefing organised on 20 March by the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), BMZ/GIZ and partners. Thomas Allen, from the Sahel and West Africa Club Secretariat (SWAC/OECD) participated in a panel discussion on rural transformation and job creation. His presentation argued that although the farming sector will continue to provide the most jobs, labour is increasingly moving out of farming, requiring people to develop different skills. Read on