On Thursday 9 October 2025, the INERA Station in Farako-Bâ, Bobo-Dioulasso, was buzzing with excitement for the 4th edition of the Agricultural Technology and Innovation Park (PTIA) Open Day, themed: "How can research technologies and innovations contribute to improving the resilience of stakeholders in the food system in Burkina Faso? "

Around 80 people, including producers, researchers, processors, technical partners and decision-makers, gathered to discover, discuss and adopt innovative agricultural solutions adapted to local realities.

The demonstrations highlighted proven technologies in priority value chains: fruit and vegetables, cereals, tubers, fish, milk, poultry, livestock and meat, as well as sustainable practices for soil fertility and pest management.

The day was a highlight in terms of raising awareness, networking and promoting local expertise to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of agro-silvo-pastoral production systems.

It was organised by the Regional Centre of Excellence in Fruits and Vegetables, with the support of CORAF and the Food System Resilience Programme for the benefit of the beneficiaries of the commissioned projects.

This initiative, it must be said, has a promising future, as it will enable beneficiaries to improve their own production systems. Immediately, the question arose of developing partnerships with them to see to what extent the technologies that really interested them could be made available to them.

The fourth open day was held under the patronage of Mr Prosper ZEMBA, Director General of Plant Production (DGPV), and sponsored by Mr Salif TENTIKA, Coordinator of the Food Systems Resilience Programme in Burkina Faso, and attended by the Director of the Institute for the Environment and Agricultural Research, Dr Drissa SEREME. 

Although Niger is a dry country, it has abundant groundwater and surface water resources. The territory has more than 1,000 ponds, 175 of which are permanent and particularly threatened by sand encroachment. These water resources play an important role in feeding the population and livestock, as well as in agricultural production, both flood-irrigated and irrigated. However, the rapid drying up of these water sources remains a constraint on their use for farming, livestock watering and domestic needs. In order to relieve the populations of rural areas, who often struggle to find water for their needs, the World Bank, through the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (WAFSRP), has supported the Government of Niger in the construction of water mobilisation works, including the development of eight (8) ponds for agro-pastoral and fisheries purposes in the programme's intervention area. Following a technical study carried out by the engineering services in the Tahoua and Zinder regions, it was revealed that in these regions, ponds are very often confronted with the phenomena of early groundwater drawdown, drying up or depletion of ponds, posing a problem of availability of water volumes and land to meet the needs of users.

Work is being undertaken to develop eight (08) ponds in the two regions through deepening, rebuilding thresholds, and mechanical and biological protection in order to contribute effectively to the development of agro-sylvo-pastoral production activities with a view to strengthening the resilience of the beneficiary populations in the communes of ZERMOU, MIRRIAH, and DUNGASS in the Zinder region, and the municipalities of BOUZA, TAMA, and MALBAZA in the Tahoua region.

These developments will enable the direct development of agricultural land around ponds, the recharge of the water table, an increase in income from investments by the population, and the sustainable restoration of ecosystems.

The Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP), organised a five-day training course for cassava seed producers from 6 to 11 October 2025 at Taiama Resort, Taiama Junction, Moyamba District.

The training strengthened the capacities of farmers, research technicians and private sector actors involved in cassava seed multiplication and distribution across the country. The objective was to improve the production of high-quality cassava seed to support national food security efforts and contribute to the Feed Salone initiative.

During the opening session, SLARI Deputy Director General Rev. Dr Prince E. Norman emphasised that this initiative was helping to improve the cassava value chain by providing farmers with scientific advice and better planting materials. IITA representative Dr Thank God highlighted the importance of cassava for employment and agro-industrial growth in Sierra Leone, while FSRP representative Mr Mohamed Sippo praised the collaboration between the three institutions.

Dr Janatu Veronica Sesay of the Sierra Leone Seed Certification Agency (SLeSCA) emphasised the importance of seed certification in ensuring quality and protecting farmers.

Throughout the week, participants learned about cassava seed production standards, disease management, field inspection and post-harvest handling. The training ended with a symbolic seed handover and a field day dedicated to cassava, marking a concrete step towards strengthening the cassava seed system in Sierra Leone.

The Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), through one of its branches, the Rokupr Research Centre in Kambia District, released 30 improved high-yielding varieties with support from the World Bank-funded Food Systems Resilience Programme. The release ceremony was conducted by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio. These varieties include maize, rice and cassava (8 varieties of maize, 14 varieties of rice and cassava developed by Sierra Leonean researchers).

The rice varieties released are high-yielding varieties capable of producing 7 to 8 tonnes per hectare, which is a significant increase from the national average of 2 to 3 tonnes.

In his opening speech, President Bio described this release as a scientific breakthrough and a demonstration of his government's commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening national food systems. "The release of these new varieties marks a turning point in our Feed Salone vision. Through research and innovation, we are giving farmers access to seeds that will increase yields, build resilience and ensure food security," he said.

He emphasised that agricultural transformation must be based on science and evidence-based practices, stating that "agriculture is a science."

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Henry Musa Kpaka, reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing improved seeds to farmers in Sierra Leone. He emphasised that Pillar 2 of Feed Salone focuses on strengthening the seed and input system, and that the new varieties being brought to market would increase productivity, boost farmers' incomes and reduce food imports.

In honour of the President's leadership on food security, a new variety of cassava has been named 'Maada Cassava'.

President Bio, accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture, the Director General of SLARI and the FSRP Project Manager, visited demonstration plots to observe the performance of the varieties.

The ceremony brought together farmers, researchers, development partners and community leaders, all of whom praised the government's investment in agricultural research and innovation.

On Friday, 31 October 2025, the meeting room of the Ministry of Agricultural Production and Industrialisation hosted the official departure ceremony for 129 Chadian students receiving scholarships from the Food System Resilience Programme in the Sahel and West Africa (FSRP-TD).

Chaired by the Minister of Agricultural Production and Industrialisation, the ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the acting national coordinator of PRSA-TD, the programme's implementing partners, as well as the scholarship recipients and their families.

In his welcome address, the acting coordinator of FSRP-TD recalled that this first wave marks a decisive step in the implementation of the programme, which aims to strengthen human and institutional capacities for a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable food system.

Taking the floor, the Minister of Agricultural Production and Industrialisation expressed his pride and satisfaction at seeing these young Chadians embark on an academic adventure that brings hope.

"Through this initiative, the Government, with the financial support of the World Bank and the technical support of the AGRHYMET Regional Centre, reaffirms its commitment to placing human capital development at the heart of the transformation of the agricultural sector," he said.

Of the 183 scholarship recipients selected, 129 will continue their professional training at the AGRHYMET Regional Centre in areas such as food and nutrition security, natural resource management, plant protection and climate change. The other 54 will join partner universities for research training in irrigation, food biotechnology, soil fertility or agricultural statistics.

The Minister, alongside the Acting Coordinator of FSRP-TD, presented a symbolic cheque for thirty million CFA francs to two students representing all the beneficiaries, as a sign of encouragement and recognition. On this occasion, the Minister urged the winners to show discipline, rigour and patriotism throughout their training.

"You are now ambassadors for Chad. Come back with solid skills to contribute to the resilience of the national food system," he said.

This ceremony, marked by emotion and optimism, reflects Chad's vision of ensuring sustainable food security by training a new generation of competent and committed agricultural managers.

Faced with agricultural losses caused by the fall armyworm, Togo is making a strategic shift by focusing on biological control.

In May 2025, the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP) supported a mass release of parasitoids in several Planned Agricultural Development Zones (ZAAP), particularly in the East Plateaux and Kara regions.

This approach is based on the laboratory breeding of two particularly effective species of parasitoids (12,000 individuals of Cotesia marginiventris and 3,800 individuals of Chelonus insularis), which are introduced directly into maize fields to naturally neutralise the fall armyworm.

In order to maximise the effectiveness of this method, producers were made aware of the importance of not applying chemical treatments for two weeks after release. This allowed the parasitoids to establish themselves permanently in the treated areas.

Five months later, the initial results are promising.

Feedback from producers confirms a positive impact on maize yields. "This year, there have been far fewer attacks. The caterpillars haven't caused as much trouble as in previous years," says a producer from the Bouladè ZAAP in Assoli.

The trend is similar in the Atifoutou ZAAP. Attacks by the fall armyworm have been significantly lower this year, leading to improved crop quality and reduced use of chemicals.

This improvement in the field confirms the effectiveness of the biological approach adopted. To date, seven sites have already been successfully covered. The short-term objective is to extend the method to the entire territory, while continuing the mass rearing of parasitoids in Togolese laboratories.

For the FSRP, this initiative marks a major step forward in the fight against a scourge that has been ravaging Togo since 2016. It represents a tangible source of hope for maize producers across the country.

About the release of parasitoids

The release was carried out by slightly opening the cage containing the parasitoids to allow them to gradually escape. It is essential that the maize plants are between two and four weeks old after sowing at the time of the operation. This precaution has a significant effect on the parasitism rate of armyworms, particularly those in the L1 larval stage.

Once the cage is open, the agents move through the maize field, cage in hand, to facilitate the dispersal of the insects.

Faced with the challenges of climate change, access to accurate, real-time agro-hydrometeorological data has become an essential lever for securing agricultural campaigns and strengthening the resilience of producers. In order to guarantee the timely availability of agro-hydrometeorological data essential to actors in agricultural value chains, while promoting the development of integrated services via innovative digital platforms, the FSRP is strengthening the capacity of national structures to provide reliable information services. The project is therefore investing heavily in supporting the Togo National Meteorological Agency (ANAMET), providing it with state-of-the-art equipment and strengthening its operational capacities.

Among the most significant advances, the installation of a satellite image receiving antenna opens up new prospects in terms of the accuracy and reliability of climate forecasts. ANAMET now has access to high-quality satellite data from more dynamic and powerful forecasting models, enabling it to anticipate future climatic conditions.

In addition, new agro-meteorological stations have been acquired and are ready to be deployed in the field. These stations will enable localised, real-time monitoring of agro-climatic parameters, a major asset for farmers, particularly in areas with high agricultural potential.

The relaunch of the production and dissemination of rainfall and climate information via the hydro-agrometeorological information system (SIHAM) is a decisive innovation that facilitates real-time access to localised agro-meteorological forecasts. This system, set up by the FSRP, allows forecasts to be sent directly to agricultural producers, either by SMS or voice call, in planned agricultural development zones (ZAAP) and beyond. The result is better anticipation, reduced losses and optimised agricultural campaigns.

Beyond the equipment, the rehabilitation of weather parks and administrative buildings in various centres across the country, as well as the rehabilitation of the Directorate-General of Meteorology, provide a sustainable foundation for ensuring an efficient, modern public service that is more attuned to the needs on the ground.

Every year, as the rainy season approaches, ANAMET, in collaboration with technical structures, develops strategic agro-hydro-climatic forecasts. Thanks to the support of the FSRP, these forecasts are now more accurate, faster, more reliable and better disseminated, enabling farmers, decision-makers and socio-economic actors to plan their activities with greater confidence and efficiency.

This FSRP intervention illustrates how targeted investments in technology, infrastructure and information dissemination can transform warning and forecasting systems, while empowering producers to make timely decisions elsewhere.

Held from 22 to 25 September 2025, this training session enabled CILSS staff to consolidate their knowledge of the environmental and social management framework, gender principles, the complaints management mechanism, and good practices in Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environment (QHSSE) . The initiative was supported by Component 1 of the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP) and the Regional Project to Support Pastoralism in the Sahel-Phase 2 (PRAPS-2).

The interactive modules, led by experts in charge of gender and environmental safeguarding from PRAPS-2 and Component 1 of the FSRP, with the support of a consultant, focus on the environmental and social management framework, gender issues and gender-based violence, the complaints management mechanism, and QHSSE requirements and best practices. This training will strengthen CILSS's organisational culture around worker and environmental protection, safety, well-being and overall performance.

The Executive Secretary of CILSS, Dr Abdoulaye MOHAMADOU, welcomed the capacity-building initiative and noted its consistency with the institution's human resources management and development policy, which focuses on preserving safety, health and quality of life at work. He noted the imperative nature of the approach and expressed his willingness to support the operational integration of the concepts developed.

The participants recommended assessing the risks likely to impact the professional environment, followed by the development and implementation of an action plan. 

A total of thirty (30) inspectors representing the various structures in charge of health control in Benin attended the training on the Harmonised Guide to Health Inspection and Risk-Based Decision-Making in Cotonou from 9 to 11 September 2025.

Organised as part of the implementation of the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (PRSA), this meeting was an opportunity to strengthen the capacities of Benin's inspectors with a view to enabling the country to take advantage of the regional and even continental market for agricultural and agri-food products to improve food safety and nutrition.

As a reminder, the Health Inspection Guide developed by ECOWAS was adopted with a view to, harmonise inspection and decision-making methods based on risk and scientific data, increase transparency in inspections, and facilitate the free movement of agricultural, forestry and pastoral products by removing technical barriers to trade in ECOWAS and Sahel member states.

As in other countries, training on the Harmonised Health Inspection Guide was followed on 12 September 2025 by a day of awareness-raising for cross-border trade stakeholders on the Harmonised SPS Certificate. The adoption of this SPS certificate responds to the concern to harmonise national SPS standards and adapt them to international best practices, including the World Trade Organisation's SPS Agreement and Annex 7 of the AfCFTA (on SPS), with a view to reducing technical barriers to intra-community trade in agricultural, forestry and pastoral products, while preserving human and animal health and plant protection.

 Fifty participants from both the private and public sectors attended this awareness-raising day, organised with the support of the Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In addition to the presentation of the Harmonised Phytosanitary Certificate, participants familiarised themselves with other protocols adopted by ECOWAS to facilitate intra-community trade, namely: the Trade Liberalisation Scheme (TLS), the Common External Tariff (CET), Community transit, etc. 

On 23 September 2025, the Minister of State, Minister of Agriculture, Animal and Fisheries Resources, Commander Ismaël SOMBIE, symbolically handed over the keys to a storage warehouse to the National Food Security Stock Management Company (SONAGESS) at the institution's regional headquarters in Tenkodogo. With a capacity of 1,000 tonnes, this warehouse is one of nine similar facilities built as part of the implementation of the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (PRSA).

According to the FSRP Coordinator, Mr Salif TENTIKA, this initiative is also in line with the objectives of the 2023-2025 Agropastoral and Fisheries Offensive. The latter aims not only to support producers in increasing agricultural yields, but also to address the challenges of post-harvest management, particularly the storage and preservation of foodstuffs. An appropriate storage system makes it possible to prevent economic losses due to the dumping of products, while promoting better value for production. It is with this in mind that SONAGESS, whose initial mandate of managing food security stocks has been expanded to support producers by increasing purchases from farmers' organisations, is benefiting from this support.

The Director General of SONAGESS, Mr Stéphane Gildas TIENDREBEOGO, welcomed the relevance of this initiative, which will strengthen the institution's storage capacity on the eve of the field collection campaign. He expressed his gratitude to the Minister of State and the highest national authorities for authorising this strategic action.

It should be noted that a collection target of 530,000 tonnes has been set for the 2025-2026 wet season. These volumes will mainly concern paddy rice, millet, maize, cowpeas and sorghum in areas known for these crops. In this regard, SONAGESS is calling for a stronger commitment to support this operation, which is essential for consolidating national food sovereignty, through the provision of appropriate storage infrastructure and logistical resources.