Sahel Climate Station

SAHEL CLIMATE STATION

Oxfam in the Sahel’s climate program for a sustainable future: fair, inclusive, resilient and peaceful.

ANOTHER FUTURE IS POSSIBLE!

The Sahel region is a victim of global climate injustice, of a system that exploits resources without social or environmental justice: The Sahel countries are among the 20% of countries that are the most vulnerable and the least prepared for climate change. Three Sahel countries— Niger, Chad, and Mali—are among the seven countries that are the most vulnerable to climate change in the world. However, the per capita emissions in these countries are in the world’s bottom 10%. Although CO2 emissions in Sahelian countries are virtually zero, these countries are forced to manage unprecedented climate impacts that affect food and nutrition security, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.

Forecasts for the future predict increased impacts: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that average temperatures will rise from 3°C to 6°C by 2100. In the Sahel, temperatures could rise 1.5 times faster than the global average. Rainfall could be more variable, rainy season parameters could be disrupted, and there could be an upsurge in extreme climate and weather events (heat waves, droughts, and heavy rain). We can already observe the impact, with temperatures approaching 47°C in Senegal in 2023 (according to Dr. Ousmane Ndiaye, the Director of Meteorological Operations and the IPCC Focal Point in Senegal), and with unprecedented flooding in Niger, Chad, and neighboring countries, which displaced over 1.4 million people and devastated hundreds of thousands of hectares of crops.

The climate vulnerability of Sahelian countries is exacerbated by the region’s heavy dependence on rain-fed agriculture and on its natural resources. The degradation of arable land particularly affects family farmers and pastoral populations, as well as having a disproportionate effect on women and girls. It also impacts the poorest people living in precarious conditions. The climate fragility of the Sahel countries is also exacerbated by rapid population growth and chronic humanitarian crises caused by recurrent droughts, floods, food insecurity, epidemics, and violent conflicts. Water shortages, longer dry seasons, and the impact of higher temperatures could trigger new conflicts and forced migrations. These are problems that the region is already facing. Tensions over resources (water and land) are exacerbating a series of latent and deadly conflicts (between livestock breeders and farmers). This also leads to populations migrating to areas where basic services are less effective, which only aggravates the problems of poverty, health, and food insecurity.

In the Sahel, the window of opportunity for a viable future is all the more compromised due to structural economic instability in its societies, driven by unsuitable economic models. This intensifies inequalities and vulnerabilities. When implementing the mechanisms, a major additional challenge to incorporate is the political instability in the region: The mechanisms must be sustainable, inclusive, and conducive to peace. They must be able to withstand political fluctuations, regardless of which regime is in place. These mechanisms should use climate action for endogenous and appropriate development based on the values of justice, equality, and sustainability, which are the responsibility of everyone.

Average demographic growth is estimated at 3% per year, and there are recurring challenges linked to environmental degradation, widespread poverty, and political instability. Climate change in the Sahel will exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, with devastating impacts on agriculture and water resources. This jeopardizes food security, causes malnutrition (according to UNICEF, nearly one million children under the age of five suffered from severe acute malnutrition in 2023 in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali), and exacerbates social tensions and violence between armed groups.

In the Sahel, Oxfam aims to build a desirable future through climate action that contributes to peace and social cohesion: The commitment of Oxfam and its partners in the region, as expanded upon in the “Climate Change 2020–2030 in West Africa” Strategy, is based on the opportunity of a fair, equitable, sustainable, and inclusive ecological transition. We believe that for a successful transition that attracts support, is inclusive, and builds the resilience of populations and their environment, there must be actions that aim to profoundly change the system, using approaches based on defending the rights of the most vulnerable. Our efforts are based on a resolutely local, collective, and integrated approach that aims to embrace the complexity of adaptation and mitigation issues, and to empower the most vulnerable, with a view to achieving climate justice.

A regional, cross-border, and conflictsensitive approach: The environments, climate threat, and response capacities are similar. The role of the sub-regional institutions is similar as well. As such, it is relevant to offer a common approach to climate resilience that can allow the activities to be more effective and coordinated, via global and regional actions, and joint national actions that are flexible and adaptable to each context.

Many regions in the Sahel are affected by both climate change and ongoing conflicts. Our actions are designed to not only respond to these pressures individually, but holistically as well. This can make a positive contribution to climate change adaptation and conflict transformation at the same time. We operate in sensitive areas of the Sahel by means of our solid relationships with local governmental and non-governmental players at various levels. Our well-established network allows us to intervene as closely as possible to local populations, adapting rapidly to political and security contexts. We intervene in a conflictsensitive manner, incorporating causal links and regional conflict levels, while reducing risks and promoting social cohesion. Through regional and cross-border actions, we seek to address the root causes of destabilization.

Oxfam complements other players: the Sahel Climate Station program contributes to achieving nearly all of the Sustainable Development Goals. It is in line with the Agenda 2063 of the African Union and its Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022–2032). It is aligned with the ECOWAS regional plans and the Climate Commission of the Sahel region (of the African Union), whose investment plan echoes many of the points in our program.

This program is part of the implementation of each country’s Nationally Determined Contributions and National Plans. It is also aligned with their national gender equality plans and youth policies.

Finally, we have incorporated and leveraged the results of studies and programs conducted by major regional players such as ECOWAS, the UEMOA, the OPR, the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), the AGRHYMET-CCR-AOS Regional Center in Niamey, the Sahel Institute, the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF), the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS), as well as the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).

HOW TO READ THIS NOTE AND HOW TO WORK WITH US

The following pages propose a range of actions to be developed in the region. A train (in motion) is used to symbolize them, with a railway line that has 3 train stations and 7 stops.

The stations represent the three levels of intervention we would like to implement:

1. “Revitalize the base”

2. “Strengthen the framework”

3. “Boost the projects”

For each station, we envisage between two and three workstreams, or “stops”. Each stop proposes a list of actions (that are indicative and non-exhaustive ) that we would like to pursue, activate, and adjust to scale. These proposals are based on tangible achievements and positive results obtained through the commitment of Oxfam and its partners in the region over many years. They reflect our proven expertise in solving complex problems. You can read and use this note as a set of flexible actions, a basis for joint cocreation to design tailored projects that incorporate your priorities.

However, the program is a set of coherent and interdependent actions that reinforce each other. The levels of intervention we have identified are deeply interconnected. By simultaneously acting on civics, governance, and the priority issues of a just transition—namely the management and exploitation of natural resources and food systems, a just energy transition, and a green, social and solidarity economy we are convinced we can influence the future of the Sahel.

As you can see, the train is moving, but the route is complex. The tracks are full of obstacles that include fragile governance, inter-community conflicts, and persistent poverty. We need to step up our efforts if we want to reach our final destination: a prosperous, stable, and sustainable Sahel. Your collaboration is essential.

STATION

Climate education and active citizenship

Revitalize the base

The base represents civil society. These are children, young people, women, groups, communities, key players, and organizations. They are the driving force that we would like to stimulate to bring about lasting change. We will do this, firstly, by creating the conditions for developing critical thinking among communities and the youngest people, about contemporary realities, in a collective and specialized way (Stop 1). Climate education for the youngest members of society produces generations that are aware, committed, and able to produce deep change. Communities that are aware of the reality of climate change can also put pressure on governments and more actively support the work of the civil society organizations that we aim to strengthen (Stop 2).

STATION

Fair and sustainable solutions, applications, and models

Boost the projects

The projects represent concrete solutions as operational responses to the priorities that the previous station champions. Stop 5 proposes solutions for the efficient and inclusive management of natural resources and for smart and sustainable food systems. Stop 6 suggests ways of contributing to a fair energy transition. Stop 7 identifies solutions for participating in a green, social, and solidarity economy. These proposals do not completely resolve the challenges, and we are aware that there are other potential approaches. However, these proposals are relevant and proven solutions that we strongly believe in. The actions of this station are made possible by public policies that encourage and support them. This is the direct result of the work conducted at the previous station.

Climate education and awarenessraising to encourage widespread adoption of climate and social actions.

Strengthen youth and women’s organizations to multiply their capacity for action and impact.

Land restoration, regreening the Sahel, and smart agri-food systems.

Communitybased renewable energies.

STATION

Influence and support for the authorities

Strengthen the framework

The framework represents laws, standards, authorities, institutions, and private sector players. At this station, the aim is to work towards establishing an environment that is conducive to the desired transformation: efficient and inclusive management of natural resources, smart and sustainable food systems, a just energy transition, and a green, social, and solidarity economy. We will do this, firstly, through advocacy actions to draw the attention of governments to these key issues (Stop 3). Secondly, through frameworks for reflection and work involving local authorities, CSOs, and communities (Stop 4). Civil society, which at the previous stop was strengthened and made more aware, will play a major role in implementing these actions.

Advocacy with the authorities and the private sector: an essential prerequisite for a just transition.

Support authorities in the implementation of coherent and inclusive climate roadmaps.

Green jobs and entrepreneurship.

TERMINUS

Sahel Climate Station

By embracing an approach with three levels (stations), this program recognizes the complexity of the issues at stake: The climate challenge and the insecurity due to conflict mutually exacerbate each other, resulting in unprecedented consequences for food and nutrition insecurity. There is a need for coordinated action at all levels of society, for civil society, communities, authorities, and the private sector to interconnect.

Successful implementation of these actions will enable the Sahel to move towards a just transition that protects its ecosystem and its people with a vision of feminist climate justice, intrinsically linked to the power of civil society, government institutions, private actors, and the work conducted with communities.

INTERCONNECTION OF ACTIONS

GENDER

Land restoration Regreening the Sahel Smart agri-food systems

5 3 Support for the authorities

PROJECTS

Community-based renewable energies

7

6 Green jobs and entrepreneurship

4 Advocacy with the authorities and the private sector

1

Climate education and awareness

GENDER

2

Strengthening youth and women’s CSOs

STATION TO REVITALIZE THE BASE Climate education and active citizenship

The first stop of this station targets climate education and awareness-raising, via the dissemination of fundamental knowledge and expertise. The purpose is to generate collective climate/ecological, social, and solidarity actions that have a direct impact on the environment of populations, their well-being, their resilience, and social cohesion. These actions must not discriminate against women or girls. Transformative formal and non-formal climate education is the approach we propose. UNESCO recommends making environmental education “a core curriculum component in all countries by 2025”, and the IPCC considers climate education to be one of the most important solutions for combating climate change. COP28 revealed the importance of specifically considering children under 10 as a group vulnerable to climate change.

The idea is also to inform, raise awareness, and stimulate the desire to take action in all communities, based on their diverse experiences of climate change impacts, with a particular focus on the communities directly affected (fishermen and communities living on mining sites, for example). Communities can thus develop critical thinking skills linked to contemporary realities. This puts pressure on governments to take more ambitious climate measures.

The second stop involves strengthening youth and women’s civil society organizations (CSOs) to ensure they are listened to at all levels. Around the world, children, students, youth, and women’s rights movements are demonstrating to demand that decision makers (governments, businesses, and national and international leaders) recognize the urgent need to take action on the climate crisis. Strengthening their capacities and promoting networking will multiply their power to act, their empowerment, and knowledge sharing, and will encourage debate, the production of solutions, and ultimately, social cohesion. Some 50 million young people under the age of 30 now represent 65% of the population in the Sahel countries. The collective mobilization of women and youth can have a considerable impact on behaviors, policies, and practices.

Climate education and awareness-raising to encourage mass adoption of climate, social, and solidarity actions.

Getting the youngest people interested in the climate and environment.

1. Create and implement climate education modules for students and teachers (including gender- and conflict-sensitive messages and the promotion of climate action as a vehicle for peaceful, inclusive, and fair solutions). This involves creating dialog frameworks with the education ministries to mainstream climate education into the curriculum of schools and universities. At the same time, this highlights the inequalities, discrimination, and violence that girls suffer from within educational institutions.

2. As part of the school curriculum, organize activities that involve cultural diversity and girls’ leadership (environmental clubs, setting up educational farms, food gardens, community composting, and participation in waste collection actions, for example).

3. Organize collaborative activities for youth who are unaccompanied or who have dropped out of the school system: competitions, gettogethers, challenges, and artistic activities (slams and frescoes, for example). There will be a strong digital presence, with the use of social media as well (Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok).

Inform, raise awareness, and mobilize communities.

1. Inform communities of the reality, causes, and consequences of climate change—particularly communities specifically impacted such as people living near mines, through awareness campaigns, open houses, talks, and artistic and cultural events, for instance. These communication vehicles must be inclusive (involving women, youth, vulnerable people, religious leaders, and shopkeepers, for example). The communication vehicles must rally around climate values, but also convey the values of peace, social cohesion, and gender equality.

2. Raise people’s awareness of the importance of using sustainable solutions and of using ecological approaches in their daily lives, such as: the use of solar energy (for pumping water, milling cereals, irrigation, and refrigerating produce), the use of briquettes for water heating to reduce pressure on the use of firewood and its health impacts, and the use of natural fertilizers. It is essential to educate the population on using these alternative solutions, developing and adapting women’s knowledge, and supporting communities to overcome traditions and socio-cultural barriers.

3. Mobilize communities to set up collective actions so they can express themselves and take action for a more sustainable and just future: for example, train community watch groups/clubs living on mining sites to monitor the energy transition, and dynamize social movements for the agroecological transition.

Examples of some of Oxfam’s significant achievements

Creation and implementation of training modules, creation of environmental clubs in schools in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso (Strategic Partnerships 2022–2025, Danida).

Competitions for budding geniuses in Senegal.

Rural resource centers in Mali.

Regional campaign #mymilkislocal.

International campaign #myclimatemyfuture.

National, regional, and international climate awareness and mobilization campaigns for youngpeople and students (African Activists for Climate Justice - AACJ and the Sahelian Youth for Climate ActionJESAC.

Concept note on raising awareness among people living near mines.

Study (draft) on the perception of climate change in Senegal’s coastal areas (upcoming publication).

Strengthen youth and women’s organizations to multiply their capacity for action and impact.

Strengthen the organizational capacities of organizations, network, and share information in the subregion.

1. Provide organizational support for local, departmental, national, and regional CSOs: Identify promising initiatives, formalize the organizations (capacity building via organizations that are already formalized and part of a network), help support the identification of the positions of the CSOs, action plans, administrative and financial management, access to funding, inclusive methodological designs (recognition of knowledge and capacities that are diversified and specific to women and youth), and the partnership strategy, for example.

Women face many obstacles to getting organized in civil society: disproportionate burden of household chores, risk of abuse and violence due to their community and political involvement, and also problems in legally formalizing their association (need for marital authorization, lack of literacy in official languages, etc.). It will be important to support their creation as an entity in civil society.

2. Build/redynamize/structure networks that connect regional agendas/struggles at a regional level via multi-actor digital platforms for women and youth, that are active in the Earth-Climate-Biodiversity nexus (organizations, movements, digital hubs, artists, cultural agents, intellectuals, digital influencers, content creators, journalists, entrepreneurs, and students) in order to create alliances, exchange ideas, learn from each other, propose solutions, share information and content, produce regional media, and jointly participate in regional and international strategic meetings, for example.

Strengthen the technical and individual capacities of CSO members.

1. Strengthen capacities in terms of investigation (journalism, research, studies, analyses, and citizen watchdogs), dissemination of information (communication, social media, and traditional media), and the production of content that is accessible, usable, and adaptable (articles, manuals, documentation, and training). Train on how to use climate action to build peace, strengthen digital and artificial intelligence skills (creation of Wikipediatype collaborative reference documents, production of documentaries, web TV, and digital campaigns).

2. Identify individual profiles with a high capacity to influence in high-level forums, and with a real capacity for making decisions; and train these profiles in advocacy (public speaking, leadership, women’s leadership, negotiation techniques, and political influence).

Examples of some of Oxfam’s significant achievements

Alumni program - Capacity building for young leaders through the Youth delegates academy in Burkina Faso.

Mooc Make Change Happen

Support for the creation of the Sahelian league against inequalities (formerly “Justiciers du Sahel”), and training in AI to optimize influence campaigns.

Biodiversity and climate brigade (JESAC and DANIDA SP.2).

“Beating Drums” climate caravan: Meeting with leaders in Dakar and regional meetings to prepare for participation in COP 27 in Senegal, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger, Guinea, and Mali.

West African Caravan (4th edition) to make the voices of different communities and villages heardSenegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mauritania: Global Convergence of Land and Water Struggles - West Africa

Financial support for CSOs and program for learning how to lobby and advocate for CSOs and representatives of the most marginalized and discriminated people through the Voice project in Mali, Nigeria, Niger, Uganda, Laos, and Cambodia.

Support for the partner training courses Africtivists (AFD program agreement), Terangalab, and Wenaklabs, for example.

STATION TO STRENGTHEN THE FRAMEWORK INFLUENCE AND SUPPORT THE AUTHORITIES

At this station, governments are called upon to redefine the rules of the game and to introduce favorable public policies. All of this requires the active participation of communities and civil society organizations that remind governments of their responsibilities. One of the keys to success lies in ongoing collaboration with the authorities and the establishment of mechanisms that are sustainable, inclusive, and able to withstand political fluctuations, regardless of the regime in place. This program focuses on three priorities: (i) the efficient and inclusive management of natural resources and the establishment of smart and sustainable food systems, (ii) a just energy transition, and (iii) a green, social, and solidarity economy.

In addition to climate change, the land in the Sahel is deteriorating, affected by drought, flooding, and inappropriate farming practices, reducing soil fertility. Growing demand for food is leading to the constant exploitation of new land, resulting in deforestation and biodiversity loss. Over 30% of arable land in sub-Saharan Africa is severely degraded. Local communities rely on agriculture and livestock farming, and are facing a decline in resources, causing livestock migration and transhumance.

This situation leads to tensions due to limited access to land, which generates internal conflicts. Women, the pillars of food security, face major obstacles (social norms and laws), with restricted access to resources and limited land ownership.

Meanwhile, in 2018, only 25% of the population in the Sahel was connected to the electricity grid, well below the global standard of 83%. The transition to clean energy offers countries several potential collateral economic, social, and environmental benefits. But for this to happen, the energy transition must be just and carried out with conscious commitment and efforts that place justice and the rights of communities at their heart.

The Sahel is the African region with the lowest per capita GDP out of the six African regions. 38.1% of workers are poor in Sub-Saharan Africa, and 23.5% of these poor workers are youth. The green economy certainly needs to be developed, but it must be done in conjunction with a social and solidarity economy.

Advocacy with the authorities and the private sector: an essential prerequisite for a just transition.

Advocate the effective, inclusive, and fair governance of natural resources.

1. Land rights: Advocate the rationalization of government authority over land titles and the harmonization of conflict resolution mechanisms. Campaign for greater representation of women and the recognition of their skills in decisions on natural resources, and for greater mainstreaming of gender analysis. Youth must also be taken into account.

2. Decentralization: Emphasize the need to develop Strategic Investment Frameworks for Sustainable Land Management. Call for the implementation of government reforms to ensure the success of decentralization, legislative reforms, and collective planning at the local level.

3. Corporate social responsibility: Influence companies that exploit natural resources by urging them to strengthen their corporate social responsibility (Human Rights Due Diligence).

4. Funding: Recall the growing need for capacity and funding for management authorities, and for financial policies that encourage research, analysis, and sustainable solutions for land use.

Campaign for effective and sustainable food systems.

1. Protection of farmers: Defend the recognition of women’s work in agricultural policies, their increased participation in decision-making bodies, equal opportunities for access to resources, as well as support for the informal sector, and the introduction of social safety nets for food security and agriculture insurance.

2. Sustainable approaches: Advocate and promote alternative agroecological solutions within regional governance frameworks for food and nutrition security. Demand greater accountability from national food crisis response mechanisms.

3. Professionalization: Emphasize the need for practical training for farmers, multi-skill training for women and young people, and a regional approach to agrifood value chains.

4. Markets: Call for the opening up of public markets to stimulate value chains, promote protectionist regulations and reforms for local value chains, campaign for a review of tax and trade policies and an overhaul of ECOWAS customs duties, and advocate substantial investment in agri-food value chains

Defend a just energy transition.

1. Renewable energies: The call is for massive investment in renewable energies, via subsidies instead of loans, with an emphasis on capacity building and training. Ask that countries be given more time to make the transition, and that they be priorities for the allocation of part of the remaining emissions allowances. Call for greater transparency in the renewable energies sector.

2. Access and quality of life: Defend equitable access to quality energy services and combat harmful megaprojects.

3. Fossil fuels: Insist on a gradual phase-out of fossil fuels, demanding the transparency of mining and oil revenues.

4. Loss and damage: Advocate massive financial support (loss and damage fund) for local structures, actors, and marginalized communities.

Campaign for a green, social, and solidarity economy.

1. Inclusion of women and youth: Call on national and local governments to promote inclusive public policies that incorporate the economic needs of women and youth. Demand that they be integrated into regional planning in order to develop equitable economic models. Advocate the creation of green jobs and access to quality training for women and youth.

2. Financing: Advocate the establishment of a regional regulatory framework that encourages large and small-scale green investments and call on financial institutions to develop inclusive financial products for the green economy, that contribute to the mobility of African youth by taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Advocate tax breaks for young entrepreneurs and the creation of green jobs by building public private partnerships (PPPs) involving local governments and private companies (procurement of services, goods, and raw materials; training, employment, skills transfer, and sponsorship, for example).

3. Digital: Press for a better distributed network, to reduce internet access costs, and to support the development of digital innovations.

4. Social and Solidarity Economy: Campaign to anchor the SSE in the political, economic, social, and cultural agenda. Call for the creation of an SSE Ministry and/ or the strengthening of its resources to promote this economy among youth.

Examples of some of Oxfam’s significant achievements

Support for the Kilimanjaro initiative, an annual, continental, multistakeholder charter to promote women’s access to land.

The digital platform femmomètre in Chad.

The Land-at-Scale program:

“Inclusive and just land governance in Chad”, which brought together a critical mass of various actors to discuss land governance and natural resources. The project’s Facebook page.

Creation of “CIC”s (citizen interpellation units) through the Sahel Égalités PS2 program and the DGD program in Burkina Faso.

Financial modelling of energy transition pricing scenarios and of potential public revenues for the Rufisque Deep Offshore project in Senegal.

Make polluters pay campaign.

Losses and Damage campaign.

Drafting of the law and implementing decree on the SSE in Senegal.

Digital access promotion: Digital Senegal SN2025.

Signature of an agreement with the company Éléphant Vert to supply green fertilizers to farmers’ organizations (Strategic Partnerships 2022–2025, Danida).

Signature of an agreement with Coris Bank in Burkina Faso.

Support authorities in the implementation of coherent and inclusive climate roadmaps.

Rework plans, budgets, and their local management to orient them towards a just transition.

1. In partnership with civil society (women and youth), organize frameworks for reflection, studies, and analyses to optimize public policies and national regulations, particularly regarding natural resources, agri-food systems, the fair energy transition, and a green, social, and solidarity economy.

2. In partnership with the communities (women and youth), organize joint working spaces to optimize existing plans and strategies (focus on NDCs, NAPs, NDPs, and energy plans) to turn them into operational action plans and budgets that are consistent with climate constraints. The aim is to place justice and the rights of communities at their heart, by integrating considerations relating to discriminatory and conflicting social norms. These spaces will be created in collaboration with cultural actors, scientists, youth, and environmental and feminist associations

3. In collaboration with local actors (women and youth), support the implementation of local economic, social, and cultural development plans, and help to prevent food and nutrition crises through early warning systems (EWSs).

Seek climate financing.

1. Enhance the knowledge of government actors and authorities by providing studies, maps, and diagnoses of climate financing at the national and regional levels.

2. Build capacity to influence the administration of multilateral funds (e.g., the Green Climate Fund), as well as the capacity to negotiate with polluting states, institutions (ECOWAS, the UEMOA and CILSS/Agrhymet, and the African Union), international companies, and COP negotiators, for example.

3. Decentralize and reroute funds so that communities can have direct access to them. According to the principles of locally led adaptation (LLA, signed by Oxfam), local access to adaptation funding is crucial.

Examples of some of Oxfam’s significant achievements

Process of people’s NDCs started in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali (PRIAC).

Implementation of the NDC roadmap with the involvement of civil society in Chad.

Development of Social, Economic and Cultural Plans, and the implementation of resource management strategies coordinated through the crossborder Patrip project “Strengthening the resilience of communities on the Mali-Burkina border for conflict prevention and better management of natural resources” in Mali and Burkina Faso.

Study (draft) on the role of civil society in NDCs in Senegal.

SCAP-RU, an early warning and vulnerability monitoring system (for nutrition and livelihoods) through the PROACT project (11 West African countries).

Dialogue with the Green Climate Fund via the AACJ project in Burkina Faso.

Carry out a regional study (report in progress) on climate finance (AACJ project) in Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mali, Chad, and Niger.

Vulnerabilities and risks analysis and the influence of local development plans (communal, municipal, and cantonal) through the RECOSOC and RESTE projects in Niger and Chad.

STATION TO SUPPORT THE PROJECTS

SUSTAINABLE AND JUST SOLUTIONS, APPLICATIONS AND MODELS

This station proposes operational solutions in response to the priority advocacy issues outlined in the previous station. These are concrete means and approaches that we choose to support, in order to tackle the challenges linked to natural resources, food security, the energy transition, and the economic empowerment of women and youth.

Stop 5 focuses on land restoration, regreening the Sahel, and smart agri-food systems. It advocates optimizing the community management of natural resources via proven platforms. This station highlights measures such as strengthening conflict management capabilities and increasing the participation of women and youth. The stop also offers financial and technical support for reforestation and land restoration, promoting Assisted Natural Regeneration and Agroforestry Regarding food systems, efforts are being made to support research on sustainable and climate-resilient systems, via mapping, promoting, and disseminating successful initiatives, and sharing agroecological practices at the local, national, and regional levels.

Stop 6 focuses on the development of renewable energies, particularly solar and wind power. It suggests support for research into and the implementation of decentralized solutions such as autonomous mini-grids and support for community initiatives and innovations. As the subject of the energy transition in the Sahel is relatively recent, the program proposes the creation of an Oxfam-wide JET (Just Energy Transition) initiative to support national teams working on the just energy transition.

Stop 7 highlights the economic opportunities offered by agro-sylvo-pastoral value chains and renewable energies by proposing the development of green jobs and entrepreneurship, particularly for women and youth. It supports awareness-raising initiatives, specialized training, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on green and sustainable initiatives.

Land restoration, regreening the Sahel, and smart agri-food systems.

Optimize community management and exploitation of natural resources through holistic, effective, and just mechanisms.

1. Support, structure, model, and systemize proven management platforms in land governance and water access (e.g., community management committees, village land commissions, and community forests).

2. Strengthen the conflict management capacities and leadership of women, youth, and very vulnerable people within these platforms, and strengthen technical knowledge by, for example, providing diagnosis and analyses of areas, developments and users, the installation of (agro)meteorological stations, and the application of satellite systems.

3. Support for community reforestation, land restoration through Assisted Natural Regeneration and Agroforestry practices, and other agroforestry practices adapted to the Sahel region, and the development of ecosystem/territorial/landscape approaches. Partnership with the Great Green Wall in its reforestation initiatives.

4. Financial and material support for community management platforms in the construction and/or rehabilitation of resilient, just, inclusive, and peace-promoting economic and social infrastructure (transhumance trails, grazing areas, multifunctional water points, surface water facilities, weirs, artificial ponds, protected areas, perimeters, and biological corridors, for example)

Support the transformation of current food systems into sustainable and climate-resilient food systems.

1. Support for research initiatives, studies and experiments, pilot projects, and all innovative solutions (including green technologies) for intensive but integrated food production systems that are adapted to climate change/shocks (including water retention solutions). The design of these initiatives combines agriculture, forestry, and livestock farming. Systems that produce tangible scientific data/evidence to support the policy influence.

2. Map, analyze, promote, disseminate, and adjust to scale initiatives with proven results, and network operators at the national and regional levels to develop joint strategies and share best practices by involving bodies such as ECOWAS.

3. Support for farmers in applying appropriate and sustainable agricultural innovations and techniques on their farms and/or in developing (or transforming) their farms into resilient production areas using agroecological approaches both in terms of agricultural practices and to build social movements.

4. Enhance the value of improved farmers’ seeds / seeds adapted to climate change, for example, by supporting women’s “seed guardian” cooperatives.

Examples of some of Oxfam’s significant achievements

The Peace wells project (RECOSOC project in Niger and Chad) is a highly successful model of committee management.

The JESAC project in Niger and Burkina Faso.

Regreening Africa project (8 countries; implemented in Mali by Oxfam).

PARC project in Burkina Faso.

Action against desertification project with the FAO in Burkina Faso.

PACTE project (Contractual Agriculture and Agroecology Transition Project) in Burkina Faso.

Hydroponic production project in Chad and Niger (DGD).

Rural resource centers in Mali.

Community-based renewable energies.

Develop, test, and adjust to scale clean energy solutions.

1. Support for solar and wind energy production projects, particularly in rural areas. At the level of a village or neighborhood, mini-grids are a solution for improving access to energy in isolated areas. They can be connected to the main power grid or operate independently. These systems are still new and expensive, and do not benefit from an established business model. It is thus important to invest in the viability of these new energy models, which still must prove themselves.

2. Promote community-based solutions and innovations. Community renewable energy solutions can be owned by the community and/or by the community benefit programs that are conducted in partnership with local municipalities. We will support innovations by youth and women through material and financial support, networking, and adjusting to scale promising initiatives that promote small-scale, low-cost energy production systems at the household level (e.g., bioenergy and biogas).

3. Support for alternative installations in households in order to reduce pressure on the use of firewood and its harmful effects on health and the environment. Solar and wind power are technologies that can be deployed easily: installed directly on roofs or in improved stoves, they will reduce emissions and prevent local communities from cutting down trees for firewood. Improved stoves will also be installed. They consume 60% less firewood than traditional stoves. They also allow each household to reduce its wood consumption from 3 tons to 1.2 tons per year. The use of charcoal briquettes, charcoal made from biomass waste, and biodigesters are all solutions to be explored and deployed in order to reduce the pressure on the environment, as well as the firewood collection distances covered by women.

Promote inclusive and equitable access to energy.

1. Set up a community working group/ monitoring unit to monitor the energy transition of an area or a project, particularly through analyses and impact studies (that make it a point to integrate the gender dimension). Alternative energy production must be implemented with due regard for (gender) inequalities and conflicts. Projects must be community-driven and must respond to community needs and interests. There are many examples of wind farms, solar farms, and hydroelectric dams that have contributed to tensions and even conflicts. For example, this was recently the case in Kenya, with the disputed acquisition of land around a solar farm, and in the DRC, with the extraction of cobalt for car batteries.

2. Create an Oxfam-wide, multi-country JET initiative (regional with connections across the entire confederation), to share knowledge, to adjust to scale fair energy solutions (including community-owned solutions), to stimulate, and to document JET’s influencing work and efforts.

Examples of some of Oxfam’s significant achievements

The subject is relatively recent and funding for energy transition projects is virtually non-existent.

Report: “Towards a just energy transition: implications for communities in lower- and middle-income countries”.

Best practice studies (internal document).

JET summary of Oxfam work in countries (internal document).

Green jobs and entrepreneurship.

Draw women and youth to green jobs.

1. Promote initiatives aimed at women and youth to make farming jobs more appealing, and to raise their awareness of the economic, social, and solidarity opportunities offered by the renewable energies sector, as well as by waste processing and recovery

2. Support organizations (such as youth centers and women’s and youth associations) that promote reflection and collaboration with government organizations to deploy green jobs within their communities

3. Map and promote existing “green” opportunities to empower youth economically. The aim is to list and promote training organizations and companies likely to recruit, and to identify funding, grants, requests for proposals, and mobility opportunities within the country, the region, and internationally.

4. Develop specialized training courses in the agricultural sector (e.g., agroecology and agroforestry), in the field of renewable energies or in waste recovery, in partnership with training centers, resource centers, universities, and research centers at the national and regional levels.

Boost the entrepreneurial initiatives of women and youth.

1. Technical, material and financial support to initiatives (start-ups, SMEs, economic interest groups, cooperatives, community associations, village businesses, farms) to develop value chains through green, social, and solidarity entrepreneurship (e.g., fruit, vegetables, processed products, wood, gum arabic, shea butter, spirulina, cosmetics; the manufacture, installation, and repair of solar panels; the installation of solar micro-farms, the manufacture of wind turbines and of biodigesters, battery recycling, and compost production). Artificial intelligence can be used here to predict waste production at key times, for example.

2. Provide technical, material, and financial support for training and support structures (i.e., incubators and accelerators) that promote and support entrepreneurial initiatives, and that promote alternative and sustainable business models.

3. Boost platforms and networks (local, national, and regional) to strengthen exchanges between agents of change (innovators, agri-preneurs, and social entrepreneurs) to produce key and powerful alliances, knowledge sharing, and opportunities (e.g., funding, supply, and patents).

4. Identify and disseminate financial opportunities, promote the funds available for microenterprises, the Oxfam micro-credit fund, access to funding linked to carbon removal (climate contributions) and organize collaboration frameworks with diaspora networks for mentoring, sponsorship, and/or direct funding opportunities.

Examples of some of Oxfam’s significant achievements

Project to support the improvement of the business environment for women and youth in Niger (Danida).

Strengthened entrepreneurship through the “Businesses that that change lives” project in Burkina Faso and Senegal.

Support to / Collaboration with the Sahelian center for biodiversity to train women and youth in agroecology - Mali.

Study and development of value chains (milk, soy, rice, compost, and fodder) through Peace consolidation and strengthening the economic resilience of women and youth in the Lake Chad Region. Capacity building for youth,

vulnerable women, and disabled people to seize the opportunities offered by the plastic waste sector through the AJEEC project Green jobs and Inclusion in Niger.

Program to support entrepreneurial agroforestry in Senegal

Installation of mini-dairies (DGD project in Burkina Faso).

Production of organic urine fertilizers (ECOSAN project in Chad with Expertise France).

CONFLICTS, GENDER, YOUTH, AND THE DIGITAL REALM: INTEGRATED APPROACHES

The impacts of climate change disproportionately impact the most vulnerable people, women, and youth in the most fragile regions of the Sahel. The role of women in natural resources management, food production, and water collection makes them more vulnerable to environmental disruptions. Women have specific knowledge of household and environmental management and are thus THE agents of change within their communities. They play a key role in mitigating and adapting to climate change. It is crucial for them to be involved in resource management, access to clean technologies, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Working with women makes it possible to adapt to a new context more quickly, at a lower cost, and at the local level. In the Sahel, it is vital that the agri-food, forestry, and renewable energy sectors are addressed with a gender perspective, and that women are included at all levels of decision-making. This will inevitably make communities more resilient to climate change.

Youth are the future of the region, and their involvement is crucial to ensuring a sustainable future. Their commitment and creativity are invaluable tools for finding innovative and sustainable solutions.

The “youth-led” approach used in the actions of this program considers youth as agents of social change, and as holders of knowledge. Our role is to unleash their

potential, supporting them to bring their visions to life and to bring their projects to fruition. It is in this relationship of equals that we can truly create a more just and equitable world.

Climate disruptions that impact food production also reduce income, food security, and livelihoods. This leads to extreme tension, and even violent conflicts between communities. Some young people flee. They engage in illegal activities sometimes, or worse, they join armed groups. Climate-driven migration and displacement can also contribute to conflict by exerting more pressure on natural resources and job markets and can change the power dynamics between groups too. Competition for access to resources (land, water, vegetation/ pasture), amplified by the increasing scarcity of these resources, is causing ethnic tensions and conflicts that are increasingly violent (herders moving in search of pasture and water). Climate change and conflicts are producing impacts at the same time in the same communities, not to mention the multiplier effect of the interactions between the two. This calls for a global response that tackles this pair of challenges together, and that uses climate action to promote positive peace.

Every action in this program integrates gender equity, youth participation, and the promotion of peace. Training courses and teaching modules incorporate these crucial perspectives. At the same time, climate awareness campaigns celebrate peace, youth, and gender equality. Gender equity, youth participation, and ethnic diversity guide the networking and alliance-building activities. The work with civil society organizations combines environmental action with gender and peaceful conflict resolution. Decision makers are made aware of the climate emergency, but also of the need to involve communities, particularly women, youth, displaced persons, and minorities, in the peaceful management of the issues that concern them. Local plans and budgets are being reviewed to incorporate these realities, and our advocacy for a legal framework conducive to a just transition focuses on equitable access to resources (that are natural, financial, land, material, and economic, for example) for everyone, especially women, youth, and the most marginalized people.

The program also aims to integrate digital technology to increase its effectiveness and impact. This may be through the use of digital tools for research, engagement on social media, digital platforms, the use of AI and big data for information analysis, and the application of digital solutions in areas such as smart farming and market access. However, it is crucial to consider the ecological implications, as highlighted in a 2019 report by the organization GREEN IT. Digital technology is energy-intensive, emits large quantities of greenhouse gases, and contributes to the depletion of natural resources. Increased awareness among all stakeholders is thus necessary and essential.

We aim to create an environment conducive to resilience and sustainable prosperity by incorporating gender equity, recognizing the important role that youth play, promoting community involvement, and integrating a conflict-sensitive approach. We aspire to build a future where, despite the challenges, the communities of the Sahel can cope with climate change, and also live in peace and stability.

OXFAM’S PRESENCE AND EXPERTISE IN THE SAHEL

Oxfam has been working in Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad for over 50 years. Oxfam works in the fields of access to basic services, food security, livelihoods, economic inequality, and in building community resilience. We fully embrace the Triple HDP Nexus approach, which links humanitarian actions, development, and peace. This integrated approach strengthens our ability to tackle climate issues in all their complexity, incorporating humanitarian emergencies, long-term development, and social cohesion.

Oxfam is known for

a) combating gender injustice and inequality, combating discriminatory standards and laws, and strengthening the participation of women and youth in decision-making processes,

b) its work in influencing development policies and models,

c) its solid experience of local and community partnerships (small producers and cooperatives which Oxfam has worked with for over 30 years),

d) and its dual mandate for both humanitarian and development issues, in a way that is both conflict-sensitive and transformative.

Oxfam’s climate justice initiatives in the region are not new. Oxfam supports communities and its partners to better manage the impact of climate shocks and food crises through vulnerability analysis and the implementation of early warning and rapid response systems. Oxfam also provides support to change and strengthen livelihoods and value chains in food systems with appropriate agricultural and trade policies.

We are able to operate in particularly sensitive areas of the Sahel thanks to solid relationships with both local governmental and non-governmental actors, in capital cities, in municipalities, and at the community level. Our network of well-established partners in the region enables us to operate as close as possible to local populations, and to adapt quickly to different political and security contexts. We intervene in a conflict-sensitive way, incorporating causal links and the different levels of conflict in the region. We try to reduce these risks and build greater social cohesion. We have implemented several cross-border projects (see the box on page 34) aimed at addressing the root causes of destabilization, displacement, and irregular migration, by promoting economic opportunities, equal opportunities, security, and development.

In addition to this firm local foothold, our partnership vision for the implementation of this program is also based on a regional and interconnected vision that is strengthened by ambitious regional, continental, and international partnerships. Our approach is also based on the belief that each stop of this program can reach its full potential via diverse, targeted, and dynamic partnerships: CSOs, research institutes, training institutes, incubators, universities, and collectives ... Our priority is to work with passionate and innovative women’s and youth organizations that position women and youth as leaders of change.

Oxfam’s offices in the Sahel countries will be the pillars for the implementation of this program. But the offices can also draw from the existence of a first-rate international confederation with relay points in West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, and the Central African Republic), throughout the continent (Addis Ababa, Nairobi ...) and throughout the world (Brussels, Paris, Geneva, New York ...).

SENEGAL

Centre-Nord

Est Hauts-Bassins

CentreOuest

SudOuest

Boucle du Mouhoun Cascades

Centre-Est

Plateau-Central

Centre-Sud

Centre

BURKINA FASO

Nord

Sahel

Dakar

Diourbel Fatick Kaffrine

Kaolack

Saint-Louis

Thiès Ziguinchor

Kédougou

Kolda

Louga

Matam

Sédhiou

Tambacounda

Emergency actions

Resilience actions

Nexus approach

Oxfam offices

MALI

NIGER

Logone-Oriental

Logone-Occidental

Mayo-Kebbi-Est

N'Djamena

Mayo-Kebbi-Ouest

CHAD

Lac

Batha

Borkou

EnnediEst

EnnediOuest

Hadjer-Lamis

Moyen-Chari

Ouaddaï

Salamat

Sila

Tandjilé

Tibesti

Wadi Fira

Oxfam active presence

Guéra

Bahr El Ghazal ChariBaguirmi

Kanem

Mandoul

Lac

Agadez

Diffa

Dosso

Maradi

Niamey

Tahoua

Tillabéri

Zinder

Bamako

Sikasso

Tombouctou

Kidal

Taoudénit

Ménaka

Gao

Kayes Ségou

Mopti

Koulikoro

Project name

RECOSOC

Theme Country Partners

Resilience and social cohesion

Niger

Chad

Oxfam Intermon; Care International; International Alert; H.E.D TAMAT (national NGO)

JESAC

AACJ

PATRIP

Democratizing the climate debate and developing climate justice

Building community resilience to conflicts and climate change

Conflict prevention and natural resources management

Niger Burkina Faso

PRIAC Nationally Determined Contributions

Senegal

Burkina Faso

Oxfam Novib; Natural Justice; Panafrican Climate Justice Alliance; African Youth Commission; FEMNET; RJNCC/ AYICC Niger; Lobelia Earth

Oxfam; Care International; International Alert; H.E.D TAMAT; ARDEK; Help - Chad

Mali

Burkina Faso

Niger Mali

Nigeria

OXFAM Denmark Sustainable solidarity development

Burkina Faso CLARA

CONTACT INFORMATION

OXFAM CHAD dedeou.yahiya@oxfam.org

OXFAM MALI ahmaiga@oxfam.org.uk

OXFAM BURKINA omer.kabore@oxfam.org

OXFAM SENEGAL Khar.Ndiaye@oxfam.org

OXFAM NIGER konate.sosthene@oxfam.org

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