Background
- Introduction
- Economic and Political Opportunities
- Oxfam in West Africa
ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL OPPORTUNITIES
West Africa has made enormous progress towards democracy in recent years. The region is also rich in natural resources, including diamonds, gold, oil, timber, and fish. But the people of West Africa continue to struggle with severe poverty and violent conflicts.
The greatest asset in West Africa is its people. They are creating vibrant networks of farmers, women, youth and human rights activists, all seeking to improve their lives, increase their incomes, and create a better future.
- Citizen organizations are emerging, eager to articulate their needs to government and other decision makers.
- A thriving alternative education movement across the region is helping adults learn to read and understand their rights to be heard.
- Youth and women, not usually well-connected to power centers in West African society, are demanding to have their concerns acted upon.
Despite this political progress, several countries in West Africa endure severe conflict and on-going, low-level fighting between local groups competing for water and land. Small arms are readily available and are increasing the instability of the region.
West Africans are using both new and traditional forms of conflict resolution to negotiate peace. They are analyzing the reasons for conflict so they can better understand and act upon the root cause. Women’s organizations in particular are learning how to assess the role women can play in transforming conflict into dialogue.