From research to sustainable social change

Research • Dialogue • Advocacy

The plan sets out EACEDEG’s priorities for 2027–2031. Each year connects action research and community experience with policy engagement, advocacy and publication.

Plan at a glance
About EACEDEG and this plan

Introduction

EACEDEG is a civil society organisation focused on research, advocacy and capacity building in West Africa and the European Union to enhance the wellbeing of citizens and residents. It works impartially, on a non-profit basis and independently.

Objectives

How EACEDEG works

Research and policy analysis

Research and analyse policies on climate change, migration, peace, conflict resolution and gender inequality. EACEDEG also develops methods that help civil society and private-sector actors participate in policy formulation, implementation and evaluation.

Policy engagement and advocacy

Engage communities, organisations and individuals so they can participate actively in government policy and better understand how the identified social challenges can be addressed.

Public forums

Provide a place for the public and policymakers to meet and dialogue. Topics include migration, conflict, violence and food insecurity linked to climate change and political instability in Africa and the European Union.

Publications

Publish articles on the official website, in policy journals and through social media for local civil society organisations, governments and international organisations.

2027
Year 1

Climate change, migration, conflict, food (in)security and inequality in West Africa

Ghana and Togo

January–April · Action research

  • Research climate-induced migration, conflict and food insecurity in Ghana and Togo.
  • Review policies for sustainable food, land and water management programmes.
  • Study Global North initiatives addressing climate-induced migration, conflict and inequality in West Africa.
  • Research cost-effective use of solar panels and cells in sustainable land and water management.
  • Evaluate impacts and document proven climate mitigation and adaptation practices that can be replicated in other communities.
  • Establish strategic partnerships and pilot multi-stakeholder dialogue platforms.
  • Support climate-resilient livelihoods, sustainable farming, irrigation and water management.

May–August · Policy engagement

  • Engage local and national policymakers and civil society institutions in West Africa.
  • Involve the African Union, Dutch institutions and the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development, the European Union, United Nations and World Bank.
  • Work with practitioners including GIZ, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and international NGOs.
  • Exchange knowledge with academics, researchers and policy analysts.

September–December · Advocacy

  • Host public forums where residents and policymakers can meet and exchange views.
  • Raise community awareness of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
  • Build public awareness of climate-induced migration, conflict and food insecurity.
  • Engage international organisations in impact assessment of sustainable programmes.
  • Use local radio and television and hold youth dialogues on sustainable solar-powered farming.
2028
Year 2

Youth sociocultural engagement

The Netherlands

January–March · Publication

  • Publish articles on the 2027 work on the official website, in policy journals and through social media.
  • Use publications for education and awareness raising.

April–June · Action research

  • Explore the wellbeing of teens, adolescents and young adults, including how their leisure time can contribute positively to their social lives.
  • Engage young people in creating sociocultural activities that support their wellbeing.
  • Explore activities such as dancing, singing, cooking, sports and career development.

July–September · Policy engagement

  • Engage Dutch municipalities and municipal assemblies.
  • Involve non-governmental organisations, schools and practitioners.

October–December · Advocacy

  • Hold public youth dialogues.
  • Offer dance, singing and cooking training sessions.
  • Organise debates and quizzes.
  • Hold career seminars and networking sessions.
2029
Year 3

Youth participation in local politics

The Netherlands

January–March · Publication

  • Publish articles on the 2028 work on the official website, in policy journals and through social media.
  • Use publications for education and awareness raising.

April–June · Action research

  • Explore what motivates residents and citizens, especially migrants, to participate in local governance.
  • Develop ideas and methods for effective resident participation in local decision-making.

July–September · Policy engagement

  • Engage municipalities, city districts and non-governmental organisations.
  • Exchange with researchers, teachers, psychologists, policy analysts and academics.

October–December · Advocacy

  • Host forums promoting active participation in local politics and supporting young people in exercising their fundamental rights to participate.
  • Visit churches, use local radio and television, and hold public dialogues with young people.
2030
Year 4

Climate change, food and water security

The Netherlands and West Africa

January–March · Publication

  • Publish articles on the 2029 work on the official website, in policy journals and through social media.
  • Use publications for education and awareness raising.

April–June · Action research

  • Research food and water scarcity caused by climate change.
  • Review policies and strategies on food and water security, climate change and migration.
  • Develop action plans for climate-resilient livelihoods and sustainable farming.
  • Develop methods for effective resident participation.
  • Research local water management and conservation practices.

July–September · Policy engagement

  • Engage Dutch international, national and local government institutions, the European Union, African Union, West African intergovernmental agencies, the World Bank and United Nations.
  • Work with GIZ, the IOM and international NGOs.
  • Exchange knowledge with academics, researchers and policy analysts.

October–December · Advocacy

  • Host forums on active and sustainable food and water management practices.
  • Raise awareness of climate risks, mitigation and adaptation.
  • Work with international organisations to inform grassroots communities about climate measures.
  • Advocate strategies addressing climate-induced displacement and use local radio and television.
2031
Year 5

Ageing migrants

The Netherlands

January–March · Publication

  • Publish work from previous years on the official website, in policy journals and through social media.
  • Call on governments, civil society and other organisations to act on climate change, migration, conflict and food insecurity.

April–June · Action research

  • Research policies and strategies for ageing migrants and their wellbeing in the Netherlands.
  • Explore the participation of ageing migrants in governance and local politics.
  • Develop ways to involve ageing migrants in volunteering that supports people, groups, communities and the environment.

July–September · Policy engagement

  • Engage Dutch local and national governments, international governmental agencies, the European Union, World Bank and United Nations.
  • Work with GIZ, the IOM, international NGOs and academics.

October–December · Advocacy and publication

  • Host forums promoting active participation of ageing migrants in local politics.
  • Create dialogue between residents and policymakers and share information through local radio and television.
  • Publish articles for education and awareness raising.
A consistent approach across the five years

A consistent approach across the five years

The programme combines action research, policy engagement, advocacy and publication. Its yearly focus moves from climate and migration to young people, local politics, food and water, and ageing migrants.