Adaptation of agricultural production systems in Coastal Areas of Northwest Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is a small coastal country in West Africa with high vulnerability to climate change, particularly in the form of seawater intrusion that results from sea level rise, tidal surges, and other adverse weather conditions. Seawater intrusion poses a severe threat on the country’s mangroves which is a major source of livelihood (mangrove rice) in addition to providing coastal protection and a biodiverse habitat. 

This project aims to enhance the climate resilience of livelihoods and food security of the most vulnerable people in Northwest and Northcentral coastal regions of Guinea-Bissau (Cacheu and Oio). It will do so by first improving local observation and monitoring systems for water and soil quality, rehabilitating small-scale water management schemes such as rainwater retention systems and irrigations, undertaking functional reforestation of mangroves on 250 hectares of mangrove swamp areas, and strengthening agricultural value chains with microenterprises. The project is expected to benefit more than 200,000 vulnerable people in Guinea-Bissau with increased food security and livelihoods support.