2023-11-03 13:16:36
West Africa and the Sahel are facing a recurring, even persistent, food and nutrition crisis, which affects a growing number of people. To respond to this crucial issue, the States of the region have joined forces with technical and financial partners to strengthen crisis prevention and management systems.
In this quest, the Early Warning Systems Strengthening Program (ProAct) emerges as an essential pillar.
Implemented by a consortium of renowned humanitarian organizations, Action Contre la Faim (ACF), Oxfam and Save the Children, ProAct is the result of substantial funding from the European Union. It extends over a vast territory, covering eleven key countries: Mali, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mauritania, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Saving lives through prevention.
The heart of ProAct beats to the rhythm of Early Warning Systems (EWS). These crucial mechanisms collect, track and analyze vital data, from rainfall to food prices, agricultural and pastoral production. This information, essential for informed decisions, is made available to the competent authorities.
ProAct engages in targeted actions to achieve its objectives. It trains key players in agriculture and livestock farming in the collection and analysis of food data. It motivates them to be proactive in reporting risks of food and nutrition insecurity. In addition, it raises awareness among decision-makers and national officials of the crucial importance of a solid Early Warning System and encourages them to support it financially.
A safer, brighter future
ProAct aims to achieve four major results. First of all, it aims to provide States with a strengthened Early Warning System and reliable information for strategic decision-making. Second, it encourages the adoption of new, economically efficient approaches to assess market price variations and the economic situation of households. It also encourages States and their local structures to increase their subsidies for the long-term operation of SAPs. Finally, ProAct promotes the active involvement of civil society, universities and colleges in the data collection and analysis process.
A concrete impact on the ground
By consolidating these actions, ProAct plays a crucial role in guiding the policies of governments and NGOs. It takes into account the real needs of populations and the economic situation of households, thus creating an environment conducive to the prevention of food and nutritional crises.
The Early Warning Systems Strengthening Program (ProAct) is the result of a successful collaboration between the States of the region and the European Union (EU), a valuable financial partner of this initiative. The latter thus offers a glimmer of hope for a future where food and nutritional insecurity will no longer be a constant threat in the region.
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#Shield #Hunger #West #Africa #Sahel