Since 2018, the World Food Programme's Sahel Integrated Resilience Programme has empowered communities across five vulnerable Sahel countries to regain food independence and improve livelihoods through innovative land management and social initiatives.
- Over 4 million people reached since 2018
- Restored nearly 300,000 hectares of land
- School meals reduce dropout rates and improve nutrition
What happened
The Sahel Integrated Resilience Programme, led by the World Food Programme and partners, has reached more than 4 million people across over 3,200 villages in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. The initiative focuses on restoring degraded land, supporting school meal programs, and improving nutrition to reduce reliance on emergency food aid. Since its launch in 2018, the program has helped transform communities struggling with hunger, drought, and political instability.
Key achievements include restoring approximately 290,000 hectares of degraded land using traditional farming techniques like half-moons and zaï pits, which help retain moisture and increase soil fertility. In Niger, 80% of participating villages no longer require emergency food assistance during the usual lean season. This significant shift translates into lowered costs for aid programs and sustained food security despite the end of direct payments to households.
Why it feels good
The success of the program goes beyond numbers by fostering hope and lasting change in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. By improving land productivity, cereal harvests have dramatically increased, such as in Burkina Faso where average household yields tripled from 2019 to 2022. Nutrition has also improved, with iron-rich food consumption nearly doubling in Chad. These gains support healthier families and stronger communities.
Socially, the program empowers women by increasing their participation in income-generating activities and decision-making roles, while also encouraging youth to remain and invest in their villages rather than migrate away. School meal programs have lowered dropout rates and boosted exam success, especially for girls, highlighting the positive ripple effects on education and future opportunities.
What to enjoy or watch next
As the program continues, it will be important to watch how sustained community ownership builds on these gains for long-term resilience. The integration of climate-smart agriculture with social initiatives lays a foundation for ongoing food security amid changing environmental conditions. Additionally, the program’s partnership with regional institutions promises to spread lessons learned and scale successes to more areas in need.
Beyond food security, the land restoration efforts also contribute to climate action by sequestering around 6 tons of CO2 per hectare annually. This dual benefit of supporting both people and the planet presents an inspiring model that other regions facing similar challenges might adapt. Monitoring progress through satellite data and collaborative planning will be key as the Sahel resilience story evolves.