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West Africa

West Africa is making great strides on the path to democracy. The region is also rich in natural resources, including diamonds, gold, oil, wood, and fish. However, West African communities continue to suffer from severe poverty.

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Oxfam America works in six countries in West Africa: Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Senegal. The West Africa program was established in 1991 and is based in Dakar, Senegal.

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Tell Congress: No more secret payments!
A bill now in Congress would help protect poor people by making oil, gas, and mining companies open their books–but industry lobbyists are fighting it. Poor communities have a right to follow the money–and to call for a fair share for schools, health care, and jobs.
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Oxfam's oil, gas, and mining program
Oxfam advocates just government policies and corporate practices in the oil, gas, and mining industries, and supports the right of communities to participate meaningfully in decisions about the use of natural resources.
OXFAMExchange Spring 2008
Raising a generation without fear
OXFAMExchange Winter 2008
Hard Questions about Ghana's Gold Boom
OXFAMExchange Fall 2007
Moving Toward Lasting Solutions in Gambia
Saving Lives
Disasters, and the way we respond to them, can be catalysts for social change—a chance to create lasting solutions to poverty and injustice.
Working together to end poverty and injustice
An overview of Oxfam America and our approach to poverty relief and lasting social change.
Oxfam in West Africa
Across the vast Sahel and down through the lush rainforests of Ghana, there is a growing sense of possibility.
OXFAMExchange Spring 2007
A Fragile Balance
OXFAMExchange Winter 2007
Creating Peace
OXFAMExchange Fall 2005
The Chance to End Poverty
OXFAMExchange Spring 2004
Engendering an Equitable Society: Focus on Women's Rights
OXFAMExchange Spring 2003
Red Tomato, ethnic discrimination and the Mayan defense, clearing landmines in Afghanistan, and community radio breathes life into democracy in Senegal
OXFAMExchange Winter 2003
Mary Robinson on human rights, functional literacy in West Africa, and saving the family farm
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People-centered resilience
Working with vulnerable farmers towards climate change adaptation and food security
Empty promises
What happened to 'development' in the WTO's Doha Round?
Ghana's Big Test
Oil's challenge to democratic development
Mission incomplete
Why civilians remain at risk in eastern Chad
Impacts of Reductions in US Cotton Subsidies on West African Cotton Producers
Pricing Farmers Out of Cotton
The cost of World Bank reforms in Mali
Hidden Treasure?
In search of Mali's gold-mining revenues
Fairness in the Fields
A vision for the 2007 Farm Bill
Tarnished Legacy
A Social and Environmental Analysis of Mali's Syama Goldmine
Cultivating Poverty
The impact of US cotton subsidies on Africa
More research
In harm's way: Oxfam America's game on rethinking natural disasters
Take Action: Global Food Crisis
Already 854 million people on our planet suffer from hunger. Now, as food prices climb high and fast, conditions are becoming worse and threatening the well-being of millions more people.
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Follow the Money
Standing at the pump, watching the numbers tick away, do you ever wonder where the money goes? You're not alone: People on the other end of the pipeline are wondering too. While we feel the pinch in our pockets, citizens of oil-producing countries are often not seeing the profits.
A perfect storm is driving millions into poverty
More than one billion people now face chronic hunger—and more could join their ranks if we don't act now. With increasing food prices, droughts and floods, and economic pressures, 40 years of progress against extreme poverty is at risk. Oxfam is ready with innovative programs that can save lives.
Climate change wake-up call
You know about global warming. You may already be doing your part to protect the environment. But, climate change is a human issue too—it's hitting the poorest people hardest.
ACT FAST with Oxfam
We can beat hunger and poverty -- but we've got to ACT FAST. Pledge to ACT FAST with Oxfam today and help us add 5,000 new people to the movement by November 30.
TCK TCK TCK - It's Time to Act on Climate Change
With only 100 days to go until world leaders meet in Copenhagen to hammer out a global climate change treaty, Oxfam has launched a new video with Oxfam Ambassador and Hollywood actor Gael Garcia Bernal.
Saving for Change
Oxfam America has pioneered an alternative microfinance model called Saving for Change, which self-replicates on a large scale and at a low cost, serving those who have been left behind.
Coping during the hungry season in Gambia
Nyama Filly Fofana leads the way.
A set of simple water pumps improves life in a Gambian village
In border village in Gambia, hardships hit everybody
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Members of Ghana’s Parliament concerned about use of new oil money
Communiqué calling for urgent steps to ensure new wealth is managed transparently and responsibly.

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The struggle continues in Ghana
Members of a farmers’ group continue their long struggle to claim their rights in court, but one farmer loses everything in a surprise legal move.

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The other green revolution
African farmers have reclaimed farmland lost to drought in the Sahel, bringing hope for the future of this arid region and a model for fighting hunger worldwide.

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Women in Mali lead Saving for Change
An innovative savings and loan program is helping people work their own way out of extreme poverty. Women in Mali are leading the way as the program expands to other countries and continents.

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"Africa's future is up to Africans"
President Obama's first speech in sub-Saharan Africa hits important points on good governance, responsible use of natural resources, trade, and defeating poverty.

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West Africa asks, "Where is my gold?"
Oxfam America and leading civil society organizations in West Africa are launching a week of action aimed at raising public awareness about the mining industry in the region.

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Ghana's president promises disclosure of oil contracts
Mills takes step toward greater transparency, regulation.

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Photos, panel discussion demonstrate impact of oil extraction on Nigeria and other African nations
Oxfam expert explains that oil revenues do not always translate into money to fight poverty.

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From the US and Senegal, stories of climate survival
An Oxfam America speaking tour brings together two women who are leading the fight against climate change.

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