Plan de plaidoyer régional pour la libre circulation de l'oignon et de l'échalote entre les pays membres de l'espace CEDEAO

The plan aims to reduce or eliminate the constraints related to the commercialization of onions and shallots in the countries and corridors of the CEDEAO space. The plan was the result of a regional advocacy workshop held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from December 6 to 8, 2010. The workshop brought together stakeholders from the onion and shallot value chain in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Mali. The workshop allowed participants to strengthen their advocacy capacities, identify constraints limiting commercial exchanges, and discuss mechanisms for establishing a regional dynamic of coordination and action. The plan addresses the problems experienced by actors on the ground, including the non-application of regional rules for free circulation, which causes roadblocks, excessive administrative procedures, and unjustified fees. The plan's objectives and results include reducing abnormal practices to establish free trade between different states in the region and reducing costs and delays. The plan's argumentation elements include the role of onions and shallots in fighting poverty and food security, as well as regional texts on the free circulation scheme signed by all states in the region. The target publics include national and regional decision-makers, administrative services involved in trade, opinion leaders, and the general public. The plan outlines specific actions, a calendar, necessary resources, monitoring, and evaluation. The implementation of the plan is expected to contribute to the development of the onion and shallot value chain in the CEDEAO region. The regional advocacy plan is based on the results of the workshop, which identified the following key issues: the lack of awareness among stakeholders about regional rules and regulations, the absence of a clear and coordinated advocacy strategy, and the need for a stronger and more effective advocacy coalition. The plan proposes a series of actions to address these issues, including the development of a regional advocacy strategy, the establishment of a coalition of stakeholders, and the organization of awareness-raising activities. The plan also outlines the necessary resources and a calendar for the implementation of the actions. The implementation of the plan is expected to have several benefits, including the reduction of costs and delays associated with the commercialization of onions and shallots, the improvement of the business environment, and the increase of trade volumes between CEDEAO member states. The plan is expected to be implemented by a coalition of stakeholders, including national and regional decision-makers, administrative services, opinion leaders, and the general public. The plan's success will depend on the level of commitment and coordination among stakeholders, as well as the availability of necessary resources. The regional advocacy plan for the free circulation of onions and shallots between CEDEAO member states is a critical step towards the development of the onion and shallot value chain in the region. The plan's implementation is expected to contribute to the reduction of costs and delays associated with the commercialization of onions and shallots, the improvement of the business environment, and the increase of trade volumes between CEDEAO member states.