West Africa

West Africa is heavily dependent on subsistence agriculture, with low productivity and food insecurity affecting nearly 50% of the population. Rapid urban growth has led to inadequate infrastructure and sanitation, causing land degradation and water pollution.

The region is highly vulnerable to climate change. Increasing temperatures, accompanied by erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells and floods, are likely to reduce crop yields with serious implications for food security at a time of significant population growth: West Africa’s population of over 400 million is set to more than double by 2050.

IWMI in West Africa

IWMI works closely with countries in the Economic Community of West African States and regional initiatives to respond to water challenges and priorities. Our partners include national and local governments, research institutes, universities, private sector enterprises, civil society and nongovernmental organizations, farmer associations and development organizations.

IWMI’s work in West Africa focuses on improving water management, agricultural resilience, and climate adaptation. Through initiatives like AICCRA, IWMI helps farmers adapt to climate impacts and improve productivity.

IWMI also enhances irrigation and mechanization through innovation labs for small-scale irrigation, boosting agricultural productivity in water-scarce regions. Digital tools like DIWASA optimize water use, while policy advocacy and social research promote sustainable practices and equitable access to resources. These efforts contribute to building resilience and food security in the region.

Regional representative

Olufunke Cofie

Olufunke Cofie

Africa Director for Research Impact

Contact

For work related to West Africa, please contact our regional office in Ghana.

Contact the media team.

Contact our global HQ.

Projects in West Africa

Latest West Africa news

Students in Ghana champion sustainable waste management

A program for schools and youth empowers the next generation to be waste segregation champions and participate in innovative waste management solutions …

The Legend of the River God

On World Water Day 2025, IWMI presents The Legend of the River God of Mankran, a powerful tale from Ghana that blends folklore with urgent environmental lessons …

Challenges to and opportunities for women’s empowerment in building climate resilient communities in rural Ghana

Supporting women farmers and micro-entrepreneurs in Northwestern Ghana diversifies income sources and enhances their economic resilience …

Gendered climate vulnerability hotspot mapping for inclusive action in Ghana  

This tool will contribute to informed decision making which addresses the specific needs of diverse social groups.  …

Latest West Africa publications

Displaying 4 publications
Development of an operational flood early warning system for Black Volta River Basin, West Africa (09/30/2024)
Development of an operational flood early warning system for Black Volta River Basin, West Africa
2025
More... [DOI]
Future land use simulation modeling for sustainable urban development under the shared socioeconomic pathways in West African megacities: insights from Greater Accra Region (03/04/2025)
Future land use simulation modeling for sustainable urban development under the shared socioeconomic pathways in West African megacities: insights from Greater Accra Region
Journal of Environmental Management, 2025
More... [DOI]
Social-ecological landscape sustainability in West Africa: applying the driver pressure state impact response framework in Ghana and Nigeria (11/30/2024)
Social-ecological landscape sustainability in West Africa: applying the driver pressure state impact response framework in Ghana and Nigeria
Discover Sustainability, 2024
More... [DOI] | Fulltext (2.80 MB)
Rainfall estimation in the West African Sahel: comparison and cross-validation of top-down vs. bottom-up precipitation products in Burkina Faso (10/31/2024)
Rainfall estimation in the West African Sahel: comparison and cross-validation of top-down vs. bottom-up precipitation products in Burkina Faso
Geocarto International, 2024
More... [DOI] | Fulltext (3.36 MB)