The overall aim of WASCAL is to identify resilient and adaptive land use systems and develop measures to conserve or restore functional ecosystems that support sustainable human development, while preserving the natural resource base for future generations. It will make available to the West African research community the expertise existing in Germany and other partners on climate change and adapted land management through partnerships, and strengthen the ability in the region to assess the impact of land management policies affecting the well-being of West African people. The objectives of WASCAL are to (1) significantly improve the climate change research infrastructure and capacity in West Africa, (2) explore science-based scenarios and options for enhancing the resilience of human and environment systems in the face of climate change, (3) assist policy and decision makers in design and implementation of land use patterns at watershed level that ensure the provision of the essential ecosystem services while supporting the livelihoods of local communities, and (4) help educate the next generation of scientists and policy makers that have intimate knowledge of the different climate related issues and can help the region in developing suitable coping strategies, and participate with evidence based strength in international climate change policy discussions. WASCAL is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF).