ECOWAS begins monitoring and evaluation mission in Guinea-Bissau

ECOWAS reaffirms its commitment to supporting Member States in building resilience against climate shocks, protecting vulnerable populations, and reducing the risks posed by extreme weather events that are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change.

A delegation from ECOWAS Commission through its Department of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, has commenced a six-day Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Mission in Guinea-Bissau, to assess the implementation and impact of ECOWAS humanitarian response initiatives in the aftermath of the devastating 2022 floods. The field mission will run from September 1 to 6, 2025.

In partnership with the Civil Protection Agency of Guinea-Bissau, the Red Cross, and the national fire service, ECOWAS has supported the design and rollout of a disaster risk reduction framework aimed at mitigating the impact of extreme climate events, enhancing community resilience, strengthening preparedness, and improving rapid response capacity.

The 2022 floods in Guinea-Bissau displaced thousands, destroyed crops, and left coastal and low-lying communities highly vulnerable to erosion and food insecurity. About 11,000 households, including women, children, and persons with disabilities across nine communities—Cuntum (Bissau), Quinhamel, Quissete (Biombo), and Nan Balanta in Tite (Quinara)—were among the most affected.

As part of the humanitarian response, ECOWAS interventions have included:

• Rehabilitation of a school to restore learning opportunities.
• Construction and rehabilitation of 9,390 linear metres of protective dikes and drainage channels to safeguard farmlands and communities.
• Installation of water regulators for improved water management and irrigation.
• Preparation of 550 hectares of rice fields to restore agricultural livelihoods.
• Distribution of food items (including rice and cooking oil) and non-food items (such as zinc sheets, mattresses, and treated mosquito nets) to vulnerable groups, including widows and displaced households.

Representing the Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe, Mr. Godfrey Ameachi Alozie reiterated ECOWAS’ commitment to improving the living standards of its citizens, strengthening resilience to natural disasters, and supporting national disaster management agencies to build capacity and improve early warning mechanisms.

During the mission, the ECOWAS team—together with staff of the Civil Protection Agency and the Red Cross—undertook field visits to Antula and Quissete communities. They inspected farms, engaged with beneficiaries, and assessed the direct impact of ECOWAS-supported interventions.

The ongoing mission will not only evaluate progress and ensure accountability in the delivery of humanitarian assistance but will also identify opportunities to strengthen resilience and climate adaptation in Guinea-Bissau and across the ECOWAS region.