The central aim was to strengthen civil society organizations (CSOs) and local communities so that they could engage meaningfully in climate mitigation and adaptation policies. Special attention was given to the participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, who are often the most affected by climate change but the least represented in decision-making.
The program focused on some of the most urgent climate challenges in West Africa:
- Coastal erosion, which threat entire villages in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire.
- Deforestation and land degradation, which undermine food security in Mali and Burkina Faso.
- Pollution from artisanal gold mining, a growing challenge in Burkina Faso.
Benkadi emphasized Southern leadership and shared decision-making. The four West African platforms were in the lead, with Woord en Daad providing facilitation, technical support, and links to international advocacy spaces. The program worked adaptively, allowing strategies to respond to local contexts and evolving challenges.
By the end of 2025, Benkadi had strengthened the voice and influence of hundreds of organizations, ensuring that local communities were not only consulted but also central actors in the fight against climate change.
