In recent years, the governments of the Sahel have committed to combat poverty and food insecurity through a significant increase in the development of irrigable areas.

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has helped finance more than 2000 hydropower projects, representing the largest source of OECD bilateral funding for hydropower. Europe, through its European Union Emissions Trading Scheme, has been the major supporter.

Hydropower is back in the spotlight. Many large dams are now being built after a lull at the end of the last century. And some are being built in the name of climate change mitigation and adaptation.

In rural Africa,