The ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (ECGD) and the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF) held their first working session on July 25, 2024, in Lome, Togo. The meeting aimed to explore avenues for collaboration between the two institutions, focusing on mainstreaming gender in development projects, particularly agricultural initiatives in West Africa.
Held at the RAAF headquarters, the session provided an opportunity to discuss potential areas of collaboration. Representatives from both delegations, including their respective directors, examined points of synergy based on current and future projects. Special attention was given to empowering rural women and ensuring food and nutritional security.
The ECGD and RAAF agreed to pool resources and skills to strengthen the impact of their initiatives. They aim to develop joint projects that integrate gender and youth issues effectively.
Both parties acknowledged the importance of training rural women in modern agricultural techniques and financial management to enhance self-sufficiency. Collaborative efforts are expected to support sustainable development in rural communities, promote local products in school and community food programs, and enhance women's roles in agricultural value chains.
At the conclusion of the discussions, both organizations committed to continuing their dialogue. This ongoing conversation aims to define further the form this collaboration will take, enabling them to initiate concrete projects involving both entities as soon as possible.
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