logo-wacsof

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN WEST AFRICA

WEST AFRICA represents a total area of 5,113,000 km2 . the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) comprises fifteen (15) Member States, eleven (11) of which are classified as Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The region has a total population estimated at 388 million inhabitants in 2019 with an average annual population growth rate of 2.75%.

The challenges of climate change in West Africa are multifaceted, ranging from environmental and economic impacts to social and political implications. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of the context and collaboration with various stakeholders. Here are some key challenges, strategies, and the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in facing the challenges of climate change in West Africa.

CHALLENGES

  1. AGRICULTURAL VULNERABILITY
  2. WATER SCARCITY
  3. EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS
  4. SEA LEVEL RISE AND COASTAL EROSION
  5. ENERGY INSECURITY
  6. BIODIVERSITY LOSS
  7. PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS

ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (CSOS)

  1. ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS
  2. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
  3. CAPACITY BUILDING
  4. MONITORING AND ACCOUNTABILITY
  5. RESEARCH AND DATA COLLECTION
  6. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING
  7. INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
  8. EDUCATION AND TRAINING

IN THE NEWS