The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently concluded a five-day technical workshop in Lagos, Nigeria. The event, held from November 4 to November 8, 2024, focused on revamping the ECOWAS Integrated Regional Agricultural Information System (ECOAGRIS) and integrating it into the ECOWAP Monitoring and Evaluation Web Platform.
Since 2019, ECOAGRIS has been inactive, hindering the flow of crucial agricultural data across West Africa. In response, ECOWAS's Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development (DADR), along with the Directorate of Research and Statistics, organized this workshop. Representatives from all 15 ECOWAS nations and various stakeholders participated in this initiative.
Mrs. Fatmata L. Seiwoh, Programme Officer for ECOWAP/CAADP Monitoring and Evaluation, opened the workshop on behalf of Commissioner Massandjé Touré-Litsé and Director Alain Sy Traore. She highlighted that the effort is supported by funding from the World Bank’s HISWA project to enhance agricultural statistics in the region. Seiwoh urged participants to diligently work towards developing a key action plan for improving data management in West Africa's agriculture sector.
Mrs. Mustapha Yahuza Maimunat conveyed greetings on behalf of Nigeria’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Ibrahim Tanimu. She welcomed attendees to Nigeria and praised ECOAGRIS as an essential tool for reliable agricultural data that informs policy development.
During the workshop, participants reviewed ECOAGRIS to identify gaps and required upgrades for better data collection and management. Group discussions led to country-specific suggestions for system enhancement. The event concluded with a roadmap validated for ECOAGRIS reactivation aimed at benefiting policymakers across the region.
The action plan specifies recommendations for infrastructure improvements, equipment acquisition, financial mobilization efforts, deadlines, expected outcomes, and responsibilities assigned to ECOWAS partners. The primary goal is completion by late 2024.
Mrs. Mustapha thanked participants for their contributions during the workshop while urging continued strategy implementation upon returning home. Similarly, Mrs. Seiwoh appreciated member state representatives' commitment over the past five days and reaffirmed ECOWAS's support in achieving updated agricultural data contributing to sustainable growth and food security in West Africa.
Alerts Sign-up