The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has concluded a five-day technical workshop in Lagos, Nigeria, aimed at revamping the ECOWAS Integrated Regional Agricultural Information System (ECOAGRIS). Held from November 4 to 8, 2024, the event brought together representatives from all 15 ECOWAS member states and key stakeholders to discuss the reactivation of the dormant system, which has been inactive since 2019.
ECOAGRIS serves as a crucial data hub for West Africa, facilitating informed decision-making in the agriculture sector. The workshop, organized by ECOWAS’ Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development (DADR) and the Directorate of Research and Statistics, with funding from the World Bank’s HISWA project, aimed to strengthen agricultural statistics across the region.
Speaking at the opening session, Mrs. Fatmata L. Seiwoh, Programme Officer for ECOWAP/CAADP Monitoring and Evaluation, commended the participants for their commitment to revitalizing ECOAGRIS. She emphasized the platform’s importance in enhancing data management and policy formulation for agriculture in West Africa.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development representative, Mrs. Mustapha Yahuza Maimunat, welcomed attendees and highlighted the country’s pride in hosting this vital initiative. She praised the dedication of ECOWAS’ Agriculture Directorate in prioritizing reliable agricultural data as a foundation for sound policymaking and resource management.
During the workshop, participants reviewed the system’s current challenges, identified upgrades, and proposed actionable strategies to enhance its functionality. Collaborative discussions resulted in a validated roadmap for reactivating ECOAGRIS, which includes specific recommendations for infrastructure, funding, and resource mobilization, targeting completion by late 2024.
The workshop concluded with expressions of gratitude from both ECOWAS and Nigeria’s representatives. Mrs. Seiwoh reiterated ECOWAS’ commitment to supporting member states in leveraging ECOAGRIS to strengthen agricultural policy under the ECOWAP framework and promote sustainable development and food security across the region.
