6 May 2009: The international workshop on Adaptation to Climate Change in West African Agriculture, held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from 27-30 April 2009, was jointly sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and partner organizations. The event brought together over 70 experts and decision makers to discuss and recommend climate change adaptation options for the agriculture, livestock, forestry and fisheries sectors in West Africa.

Participants formulated several recommendations and identified knowledge gaps and opportunities for policy makers, researchers, international organizations and NGOs to implement programmes designed to minimize short- and long-term vulnerability of the West African region to climate change. Key recommendations from the workshop include integrating climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies into national and regional development programmes, and improving water resource management with the primary focus on enhancing food security in the region. The workshop also recommended developing a comprehensive and action-oriented database of adaptation options for serving the needs of smallholders. In addition, participants agreed on the need to establish a West and Central African network on climate change and food security, and a technical secretariat to develop a comprehensive communication plan to facilitate efficient exchange of information related to climate change. [Workshop Website] [Workshop recommendations] [WMO Press release]