BOAD assesses climate and environmental impact of projects in Niger and Togo

The West African Development Bank (BOAD) carried out climate and environmental assessments in 2025 to measure the results and impacts of projects it financed across West Africa, focusing on climate adaptation, greenhouse gas emissions reduction and the preservation of natural resources.

The assessments used methodologies based on geospatial data and environmental measurements to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of projects supported by the regional development bank.

Among the projects assessed was the Agricultural Production Intensification for Food Security Project (PIPA/SA) in Niger. The analysis examined the project’s effects on vegetation cover and soil moisture, providing data on changes in environmental conditions in areas benefiting from the initiative.

In Togo, BOAD assessed a project to hybridize 14 multifunctional platforms by combining solar energy with diesel-powered systems. The evaluation examined the project’s climate, environmental and social impacts, as well as the long-term sustainability of the equipment.

The assessment found significant differences in emissions depending on the energy source used. Solar-powered operation of the hybrid platforms produced up to 25 times fewer CO₂ emissions than diesel operation.

Each hybrid platform was estimated to save an average of 169 tonnes of CO₂ annually when operating in solar mode, highlighting the potential of renewable energy to reduce emissions from decentralized energy systems.

For BOAD, these assessments are part of efforts to strengthen the measurement of the environmental and climate impacts of development projects and improve the use of data in investment decisions.

The findings also underline the potential for renewable energy and climate-resilient agricultural practices to contribute to sustainable development in West Africa, where countries face growing pressure from climate change, energy needs and environmental degradation.