A regional training of trainers’ workshop was held from April 1 to 5, 2024, at the Agricultural Mechanization Training Centre in Grand Lahou, Côte d'Ivoire. The training was held as part of the RICOWAS project, financed by the Adaptation Fund and implemented by the OSS and was provided by experts from IER-RCoS-Rice, the Cornell University-USA and the OSS. It focused on innovative adaptation approaches for climate-resilient rice production and aimed at training 39 highly qualified master trainers, representing the 13 ECOWAS member countries benefiting from the project, for the dissemination of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) techniques and Climate Resilient Rice Production (CRRP) practices.
On the sidelines of the workshop, Mr. Nabil BEN KHATRA, OSS Executive Secretary and Ms. Khaoula JAOUI, OSS Climate Department Director held high-level meetings with the country's authorities.
The first meeting with H.E. Mr. KOBENAN KOUASSI Adjoumani, Minister of State for Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Production, made it possible to track the progress of the projects being executed and the prospects for developing new initiatives for the benefit of the country and the region. Particular attention was paid to the RICOWAS project that highlights the importance of resilient rice production with less greenhouse gas emissions and lower water consumption, which is highly important for the sub-region. H.E. Mr. Adjoumani underlined the interest of resilient rice production for food security in the region and reiterated his support for the actions undertaken by the OSS.
Mr. Nabil BEN KHATRA also paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of the Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition where he met with Dr. Yeo NAPARI, Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Sidi Braima DAGNOGO, Director General of the Environment and Gen. Adama TONDOSSAMA, Director General of the Office of Parks and Reserves of Côte d’Ivoire. Discussions focused on the OSS role as an African regional accredited entity in supporting the mobilization of climate action financing. Dr. NAPARI expressed his wish to come up with projects that strengthen the Climate Change resilience of ecosystems and populations. A roadmap was established for the implementation of the stated commitments.
Finally, the OSS Executive Secretary and the Climate Department Director met with Dr. Al-Hamndou DORSOUMA, Climate Change and Green Growth Division Director and Dr. Arona SOUMARE, West Africa region Manager at the African Development Bank Head Office. Both parties discussed and reviewed collaborative actions under development and the prospects of a partnership which promotes the preservation of natural resources, strengthens climate change adaptation and encourages the conservation of biodiversity for the benefit of the countries of the region.
Mr. BEN KHATRA took these meetings to reiterate the Organization's determination to support Côte d'Ivoire in its efforts to mobilize resources for effective and impactful climate action.