Transforming fragility into resilience to prevent crises in the ECOWAS Region
West Africa is currently facing socio-political challenges of a new magnitude. Political instability, security challenges, ecological shocks and other factors are causing economic problems and inequalities that are destabilizing the entire ECOWAS Region through spillover effects. Marginalized groups such as women and youth are disproportionately affected. This is precisely where the ECOWAS Fund for Regional Stabilization and Development (FRSD) comes in to create positive future prospects locally, contribute to the integration of refugees and thus to peaceful coexistence. This is achieved through income generation and empowerment activities. The focus is on regions identified as particularly fragile, such as regions bordering the conflict-affected Sahel region and rural areas affected by climate change - with the aim of preventing or counteracting crises.
FRSD measures are implemented on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Close cooperation with the ECOWAS Commission as an important regional partner in the fund’s steering ensures the context-specific relevance of interventions. FRSD is actively engaged in Guinea-Bissau, Togo, and Benin, focusing on regions identified as fragile due to conflict dynamics and climate vulnerability.
The fund consists of Technical Cooperation (TC) - implemented by GIZ - and Financial Cooperation (FC) - implemented by KfW. The TC’s focus lies on employment promotion, climate-smart food systems and strengthening social cohesion. In Guinea-Bissau, for instance, the project is working with 70 farmers' associations to strengthen existing and proven community structures. Trained local facilitators within these associations are equipped with knowledge in agroecology, human rights, and gender equality, with a focus on directly enhancing income-generating activities. Recognizing the key role of women in these communities, special efforts are made to ensure their inclusion and part as stakeholder.
The facilitators bear a special responsibility due to their role in the communities in which few development measures have previously been implemented. Women in particular have the opportunity and access to this position, as their lived realities as family caregivers are taken into account. For example, to accommodate the need of young mothers to become trained facilitators for their communities, childcare is provided on site as part of the training courses lasting several months.
At the project's successful launch in September 2023, representatives committed to sharing their gained knowledge and skills within their communities, ensuring sustainability beyond the project's duration. A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed with the ECOWAS Stabilization Fund, underscoring the commitment to knowledge transfer and community empowerment. Over 3,700 individuals, with the majority being women, are set to benefit from this initiative, with the goal of building lasting capacities within the communities and fostering self-reliance.
