The Sahel Integrated Resilience Programme (SIRP)

This project aims to builds resilient food systems and empowers communities in Burkina Faso Chad Mali Mauritania and Niger. The United Nations World Food Program implements this project to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and environmental degradation food insecurity and socio-economic instability. It works to strengthen communities against climate change and improve their ability to manage shocks independently reducing the need for humanitarian assistance. The Sahel Integrated Resilience Programme seeks to reach over 5 million people (50.8% women) in 4 500 villages and rehabilitate 420 000 hectares of land by 2028. The project focuses on areas most vulnerable to climate shocks and food insecurity. It rehabilitates degraded land improves agropastoral productivity and connects smallholder farmers to local markets. The project also addresses malnutrition promotes climate-resilient crops and supports local food systems. Project activities include: (1) creating asset and supporting smallholder market; (2) integrating nutrition; and (3) integrating school-based package interventions.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) provided conditional cash or food transfers to address immediate food and nutrition needs focusing on soil and water conservation to restore ecosystems boost agro-pastoral productivity and reduce climate vulnerability; (2) collaborated with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization. This helped to promote climate-resilient crops increase self-production ensure year-round availability of nutritious foods optimize food processing and storage and enhance supply to retailers; and (3) improved children's access to education health and nutrition enhance learning outcomes and provide a safety net for families through a school feeding program.