Food Security Project in the Northern Guéra Region Phase I

The project area covers the districts of Mongo, Bitkine and Malgalmé in the mountainous region of Guéra. Water sources are scarce in the area and erosion is particularly evident in the foothills and in the most populated areas. Many remote villages are cut off from the main road network during the rainy season. The entire population of the target area experiences acute food shortages. Most households farm from one to six ha of land, growing millet and sorghum, the staple food crops, and raising livestock. Yields are low as a result of pest incidence and unreliable rainfall. Inadequate animal health controls severely compromise livestock production.

The project focused on the most degraded areas with the lowest crop yields. Its objective was to improve living conditions and food security for households within the target area. Specific activities included:

• introducing improved crop varieties for better yields
• introducing farming systems that offer greater resilience under drought conditions
• improving cereal storage at village level
• integrating livestock into farming systems to increase smallholder's incomes
• developing diversified economic activities
• supporting the formation of grass-roots organizations, including women's groups, to take charge of development activities

Source: IFAD