From Commitment to Impact: Strengthening Climate Resilience in Guinea-Bissau 

Oio and Cacheu Regions, Guinea-Bissau | 13–17 July 2026

The Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) conducted the first Monitoring and Evaluation mission of the APICA-GNB project from 13 to 17 July 2026 in the Oio and Cacheu regions of Guinea-Bissau. The mission assessed implementation progress, engaged directly with beneficiary communities and project partners, and identified practical measures to accelerate climate adaptation activities.

The OSS delegation was composed of Mr. Steve MUHANJI, Head of the Projects/Programmes Development Division, Mrs. Kaouther HAMROUNI, Project Management Officer, and Mr. Aymen BEN AHMED, Technical Assistant.

Listening to communities and reviewing progress
Throughout the mission, the delegation visited beneficiary communities, Observatory Groups, a vocational training school, nursery sites and locations identified for future Community Climate Centres. These visits provided an opportunity to review progress on the ground and ensure that planned interventions remain aligned with community needs and priorities.

Consultations were held with community leaders and beneficiaries in Jugudul, Bafatá-Oio, Galomba, K3, Blassar, Có and Antotinha. The exchanges highlighted strong local ownership of the project. Communities reaffirmed their willingness to support implementation by allocating land for Community Climate Centres, Observatory Groups and demonstration plots.

They also stressed the importance of accelerating activities related to climate-resilient agriculture, ecosystem restoration, water infrastructure and sustainable livelihoods. These interventions are expected to strengthen food security, improve household incomes and increase community resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Strengthening skills, livelihoods and inclusion
The mission also included discussions with students, trainees and beneficiaries participating in the project’s agribusiness and livestock production programmes.
Participants highlighted the value of the technical and practical skills acquired through APICA-GNB, particularly their potential to improve agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities for rural youth and support the sustainable development of local communities.

Visits to future nursery sites confirmed progress in preparing infrastructure that will contribute to ecosystem restoration and the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Across the two regions, the mission also emphasized the need to strengthen women’s participation in project activities. Inclusive and context-specific approaches will be required to address existing socio-cultural barriers and ensure that women, young people and vulnerable groups benefit fully from project interventions.

Reinforcing institutional and operational coordination
Beyond the field visits, the OSS delegation held meetings with the Ministers of Environment, Biodiversity and Climate Action, and of Agriculture and Rural Development. The delegation also participated in the fourth meeting of the Project Steering Committee.

These exchanges reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Guinea-Bissau to the successful implementation of APICA-GNB and reinforced collaboration among national institutions, OSS, the Project Management Unit and ADPP Guinea-Bissau.

Technical working sessions were also organized with the Project Management Unit and ADPP Guinea-Bissau to review implementation progress, address operational bottlenecks and agree on a practical roadmap for the remainder of 2026.

Particular attention was given to accelerating community-level interventions in response to the priorities expressed by beneficiaries, including climate-resilient agriculture, water infrastructure, ecosystem restoration and income-generating activities.

Turning commitments into action
The mission confirmed the strong commitment of communities, national institutions and implementing partners to move from planning to concrete action.
By strengthening coordination, listening to beneficiaries and identifying practical solutions to implementation challenges, OSS continues to support Guinea-Bissau in delivering climate adaptation interventions that enhance resilience, strengthen livelihoods and improve the well-being of vulnerable communities.