Characteristics of the project region and challenges and opportunities Group II Binam, Birhanu, Augustine, Buah, Irmgard, Jonathan

1. Key characteristics of West Africa- focus on Ghana and Mali Young population (>60% under 25 years) Climate change Rapid population growth Literacy Rain-fed agriculture, cereal-legume-vegetable, cereal- legume-livestock Poor nutritional status Food insecurity Low productivity of agricultural system, postharvest losses Low use of agricultural inputs

List 1-5 key challenges in the region for farming systems intensification/diversification Low productivity (find some publication to support) Absence/low adoption of tools for small scale mechanization Internal migration (security in the Sahel) Declining number of critical scientists in Agricultural sector Low investment (extension) in agricultural sector by the national government. Deeply rooted cultural barriers (land tenure issues) Poor integration of crop-livestock at household level Access to Ag. Inputs (seed supply in Mali, and fertilizer and seed in Ghana), land (in Koutiala) Engagement in mining activities Nutritional issues to feed the fast growing young population

List 1-5 key opportunities in the region for farming systems intensification/diversification New investment (Youth & Ag, from ADB) Growing demand for agricultural products, presence of cross-country (regional) market, maize from Ghana to Bfaso, and vegetables in reverse Presence of country strategy plans (environment, rural economy development, food security) Presence of synergistic projects (partnership on research and scaling) Presence of proven technologies from research institutes Presence of institutional arrangement at community level to facilitate local planning and engagement of farmer groups and communities.