This narrative review explores how to integrate indigenous knowledge and modern technologies to process, preserve, and add value to West African indigenous crops (e.g., pearl millet, sorghum, fonio, yam, cowpea, leafy vegetables). Traditional methods—fermentation, sun-drying, roasting, soaking, ash/clay, and botanicals—extend shelf-life, enhance digestibility, and sustain cultural identity, yet are labor-intensive with variable hygiene and quality. Modern innovations—solar dryers, vacuum/modified-atmosphere packaging, defined starter cultures, mechanization, composite/fortified flours, cold chains, and digital tools—cut post-harvest losses, improve consistency, and open markets, but face barriers of cost, capacity, and access, particularly for women processors. The paper advocates hybrid approaches, decentralized processing hubs, and gender-responsive policies alongside training, finance, and market linkages. The ambition is year-round availability of nutrient-dense foods, stronger livelihoods, and more resilient, inclusive food systems across the region. Keywords: indigenous crops; post-harvest; preservation; value addition; nutrition security

Agriculture, Food security, Hygiène

The Mauritania Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin No. 36 (August–September 2025), published by Action Against Hunger (ACF), reports generally favorable pastoral conditions due to continued rainfall during the season. Pastures and water points are well replenished in most wilayas, improving livestock body condition. However, some areas still experience localized forage deficits, particularly in Hodh El Chargui and Gorgol. Animal diseases remain under control with no major outbreaks reported. Livestock prices remain high, while cereal prices continue to rise, leading to unfavorable terms of trade for herders. The report highlights the importance of strengthening animal health monitoring and promoting sustainable management of pastoral resources.

State, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Information, water

This paper conducts a sub-national scale examination of the links between water scarcity and violent conflicts across the central Sahel and Lake Chad Basin (2000-2021). Employing the water footprint concept and the Falkenmark index, the authors develop five monthly water-scarcity metrics (runoff, soil moisture, potential evapotranspiration, water consumption, demographics). The findings reveal high levels of water scarcity — especially green water scarcity (soil moisture deficit) and low Falkenmark index values (population-driven water stress) — during the dry, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons at all locations with recorded conflicts. This indicates an indirect relationship between green water scarcity, water-stress indices and violent conflicts. The study suggests that its methodology and results could help improve water-resources management and conflict-prevention efforts in the region and beyond.

Governance, Security, Conflict, water

The article “The Current Status of Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea” by Lamir Ado Mohammed and Dimitrios Dalaklis (World Maritime University) examines the current state of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, focusing on Nigerian waters. Using a quantitative approach based on data from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), the study finds a significant decline in piracy and sea crimes. This progress is attributed to coordinated efforts among NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, and G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (FoGG) navies. The SPOMO Act has further deterred offenders. However, piracy appears to be shifting to other areas within the Gulf. The authors emphasize the need for an integrated approach including coastal community development, Blue Economy promotion, improved surveillance, and anti-corruption measures.

Bribery, Governance, Security, Piracy

This paper investigates the effect of urbanization on household food security in Mali by using both objective (per capita food expenditure) and subjective (Household Hunger Scale) measures. The data set consists of 9,782 households surveyed in February 2018 under the national food security and nutrition survey (ENSAN) conducted by Mali’s Early Warning System (SAP). The findings indicate that urban households are less food secure than rural ones: urbanization significantly decreases food expenditure per capita and increases the likelihood of being food insecure (mild to moderate). Key explanatory factors include low and irregular urban incomes, heavy dependence on purchased food, and limited own-food production. The authors suggest policymakers should target urban poor households in food safety nets and social protection schemes.

Governance, Food security, Urbanisation

This article analyzes ECOWAS’s response to the 2021 coup d’état in Guinea through the lens of the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. The authors argue that ECOWAS’s reaction was undermined by internal contradictions and political inconsistency. While condemning coups, the organization remained silent on Alpha Condé’s constitutional manipulation, which allowed him to extend his rule unlawfully. This selective stance eroded ECOWAS’s credibility. The paper highlights the limited impact of sanctions, the shallow economic integration among member states, and the growing cooperation among military regimes in Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. It concludes that ECOWAS must strengthen its monitoring of electoral processes, enforce its democratic norms equally, and avoid double standards if it seeks to restore legitimacy and promote lasting democratic governance in West Africa.

Power, State, Governance, Economic Development, Justice, Conflict, Democracy, Development, Election, Threat

The August–September 2025 Multisectoral Monitoring Bulletin by Action Against Hunger – Mali Mission presents an overview of the humanitarian, agricultural, and health situation in Timbuktu and Taoudéni regions. Pasture and hydrological conditions have improved, but agricultural performance remains uneven: Timbuktu almost met its targets, while Taoudéni lagged behind due to low rainfall. Livestock epidemics are under control, yet malnutrition and malaria cases have increased. Over 20,000 animals were vaccinated, and health centers recorded 7,064 cases of acute malnutrition in Timbuktu and 1,006 in Taoudéni. The Niger River’s rising water level disrupted fishing activities. Security conditions remain volatile, with armed group pressure and internal displacements persisting. The report urges stronger measures in security, health, agriculture, and resilience building to support affected populations.

Culture, State, Agriculture, Economic Development, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Family, Gold, Human security, Malnutrition, water

The article examines the growing influence of militant groups, especially the JNIM, in western Mali (regions of Kayes, Nioro, Diboli). After the coordinated attacks on 1 July 2025, a blockade was implemented, disrupting transport and economic flows (buses stopped, fuel tankers attacked). The Bamako–Kayes–Dakar corridor, essential for energy supply and commercial exchanges with Senegal, is now endangered. Mali is attempting to bolster its military infrastructure (including a new camp in Nioro) but struggles to maintain a lasting presence, while the terrorists favour high-impact, mobile operations rather than permanent occupation. Senegal is engaging in mixed border patrols, recognizing that the threat, although diffuse, remains real.

Governance, Boundary, Security, Terrorism, Economic growth

The article “Regional Cooperation and Maritime Governance in the Gulf of Guinea: A Critical Analysis” by René Ngek Monteh (University of Yaounde I) explores the dynamics of maritime governance and regional cooperation across the Gulf of Guinea, from Senegal to Angola. Despite multiple international efforts (UN, EU, ECOWAS, ECCAS, MOWCA), the region remains plagued by piracy, illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and corruption. Monteh highlights weak institutions, poor coordination, and mistrust among states as major obstacles to effective maritime governance. He advocates for integrated regional frameworks, institutional capacity building, and political reforms to ensure sustainable resource use and enhanced maritime security. The paper argues that peace at sea depends on stability on land, urging stronger collaboration between states, regional organizations, and international partners to achieve sustainable peace and a resilient blue economy.

State, Governance, Security, Peace, Justice, Conflict, Human security, Cooperation, Threat, Knowlege production