The measure is to ensure a better implementation of IFAD supported projects and programmes in the country.

In order to improve the implementation of IFAD sponsored project in West and Central Africa, the organisation is planning to set up offices in certain countries in the region. The measure marks a great shift in IFAD's policy as most of their projects had been controlled by governments who appointed the coordinators of the programmes and projects. The fund is planning to have 100 per cent of their projects under direct supervision from their staff.

The measure is in the pilot phase in three African countries including Senegal, Nigeria and DR Congo and if successful, will be extended to Burkina Faso and Guinea in 2009 and to Benin, Mali and Cameroon.

The aim is to increase IFAD's development effectiveness; efficiency and relevance in helping its member countries reduce poverty. The measure falls within IFAD new strategic framework for 2007-2010 which is based on management for development results, innovation and knowledge management strategies.

The New IFAD operating model is aimed at working more closely with country partners and within their poverty reduction strategies, new project design guidelines and processes for quality enhancement, new arms-length quality assurance system and enhanced country presence to contribute to the Paris and Accra declarations on aid effectiveness.

IFAD covers some 24 countries in the west and central African region with five of them representing the lowest ranking in the human development index, 13 are in the last 22 on the human development index. Five countries face civil war or conflict and three are just emerging from conflict. Draught and famine are common in the region since one-third of the region is located in arid and semi arid zones. The region has a population of over 550 million inhabitants, 52 percent of them women with agriculture providing more than 70 percent of the basic needs and incomes of poor rural people.