
The African Development Bank Group (ADB) has approved $102.79 million to support the promotion of sustainable agricultural value chains in special agro-industrial processing zones (SAVC-SAPZ) across Guinea, Senegal, and Togo. The initiative aims to expand the integration of climate change mitigation strategies and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in ongoing projects in the participating countries.
The programme will support small irrigation systems on 39,179 hectares and provide 2.59 MW of solar energy for water pumping. Additionally, 14.69 MW of renewable energy equipment will be installed. The project will also generate 10.24 MW of energy from biogas created from biodigesters, which will treat livestock manure and produce electricity. Climate-resilient agricultural practices will be adopted by smallholder farmers and local producer associations, covering around 40,000 hectares. Agroforestry development across the same area will further contribute to carbon sequestration.
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The initiative also seeks to enhance climate information services, such as the creation of agrometeorological and rainfall stations, and improve early warning systems to help farmers adapt to climate risks.
Gender inclusivity is a key focus, as the programme will provide women with access to innovative irrigation techniques, better connections to cooperative processing companies, and access to climate information services. Women will also benefit from low-carbon drying, processing, and packaging technologies.
Overall, the programme will directly benefit 1,104,728 farmers and indirectly support 5.6 million people, with at least 50% of the beneficiaries being women.
Mr Kazuhiro Numasawa, Division Manager for SAPZ operations at the African Development Bank, expressed his satisfaction with the milestone. He noted that this marks the first Green Climate Fund (GCF) financing for the SAPZ programme in Africa, which comes at a critical time when climate risks are escalating on the continent. The programme aims to strengthen rural communities and promote women’s involvement in agriculture and food industries, while leveraging collaboration with private sector players in Guinea, Senegal, and Togo.
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