ECOWAS Holds Workshop to Tackle Food Security and Humanitarian Crisis in West Africa. By Raymond Enoch
In a bold step toward addressing the deepening humanitarian challenges across West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a three-day Regional Baseline Consultation Workshop in Abuja.
The workshop brings together nearly 30 representatives from disaster management agencies, civil protection bodies, and monitoring and evaluation focal points across Member States.
The gathering marks a critical milestone in the implementation of the ECOWAS Food Security, Nutrition, and Livelihood Humanitarian Assistance Programme — a strategic initiative aimed at providing timely, integrated, and sustainable aid to millions affected by conflict, climate change, and economic instability in the region.
With food insecurity and humanitarian needs reaching alarming levels, ECOWAS is prioritizing a multi-sectoral response framework that includes livelihood support, nutrition and food aid, education in emergencies, cash-based interventions, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.
“This workshop isn’t just a meeting; it’s a lifeline,” said one participant from the regional civil protection network. “It’s about creating actionable solutions to restore dignity and hope to communities under strain.”
At the heart of the programme is a resilience-first approach, focused not only on emergency relief but also on helping vulnerable populations rebuild and thrive. By strengthening national systems and harmonizing regional responses, ECOWAS is working to ensure that humanitarian assistance is timely, equitable, and capable of delivering long-term impact.
As crises continue to evolve in complexity, this workshop serves as a platform for ECOWAS Member States to align priorities, share best practices, and reaffirm their collective commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods across West Africa.
