By: Adamu Dabo

A five-day sub-regional technical workshop was held at Ni’ima Guest Palace Kano state in preparation for the Strategic Spatial Action Plan of the Kano-Agadez Trans boundary Corridor.
The workshop, which received technical and financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN-Habitat, and Sweden/Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), as well as professionals on Land matters and environment across the geo-political zone, marked a significant step towards achieving sustainable development and resilience in the region.
It utilized the Spatial Development Framework (SDF) methodology designed by UN-Habitat. SDF to support strategic decision-making for metropolitan, national, and regional governments on prioritizing investments in sustainable design.

The methodology provides a structured approach to identifying and prioritizing strategic investments, ensuring that development initiatives are aligned with the region’s economic, social, and environmental goals.
A senior Human settlement officer and Head of the west Africa Sub-Regional Hub Mr.Mathias Spaliviero in a technical presentation said the workshop will raise and adopt key considerations for the Strategic Spatial Action Plan, which include;
1. Spatial Analysis: Identifying spatial patterns and trends in the corridor to inform investment decisions.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: Ensuring participation and buy-in from local communities and stakeholders to promote ownership and sustainability.
3. Investment Prioritization: Identifying and prioritizing strategic investments for sustainable development, taking into account the region’s economic, social, and environmental needs.
4. Implementation and Monitoring: Developing a plan for implementation and monitoring progress, ensuring that the Strategic Spatial Action Plan is effectively executed and its impact is measured.
It is expected that the validated outcomes of the workshop will inform the development of a Strategic Spatial Action Plan for the Kano-Agadez Transboundary Corridor. This plan will provide a roadmap for sustainable development and resilience in the region, aligning with the Sahel Resilience Project’s objectives.
By prioritizing strategic investments and promoting stakeholder engagement, the plan will help to create a more prosperous and sustainable future for the people of the Kano-Agadez Transboundary Corridor.