In Ouahigouya, a city in the Yaadga region of Burkina Faso, 110 women have come together to transform humanitarian aid into a means of achieving autonomy. These women, comprising internally displaced persons, refugees, host community members, and widows, have formed the Association for Sustainable Development of Displaced, Refugee, and Host Women in Yatenga (ADFY). The association was established in 2022 with the goal of promoting sustainable development and economic independence.
The ADFY has developed various agroecological activities, including the production of compost, pisciculture, and cultivation of vegetables and fruits such as gombo, watermelon, and papaya. The women have been able to develop these activities on a 1.5-hectare plot of land provided by the administrative and communal authorities and supported by partners, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The site has become a symbol of resilience and hope for the women.
The ADFY has made significant progress in its activities, including the production of compost, which reached 956 tons in 2023 and over 1,600 tons in 2024. However, the association faces challenges, including the high cost of fish feed, which has led them to seek alternative solutions. To address this issue, the women have started producing black soldier flies to feed their fish, a innovative approach that has shown promising results.
The ADFY's activities are not only focused on economic independence but also on improving the living conditions of its members. The association's president, Salimata Ganamé, emphasizes that the goal is not just to earn money but to provide for their children's needs. The women's efforts have been recognized by the national communication campaign "Pagb Yidgr-Sooré" (Entrepreneurship for Women), which aims to promote female entrepreneurship and improve women's living conditions.
The "Pagb Yidgr-Sooré" campaign has visited the ADFY to learn from their experience and promote their activities. The campaign's delegation met with local authorities, including the governor of Yaadga, Thomas Yampa, who highlighted the challenges faced by women in the region, including the impact of the security crisis on education and healthcare. The governor welcomed the campaign's initiative, stating that it arrives at a critical moment for the region.
The ADFY's experience is a testament to the potential of women's empowerment in Burkina Faso. Despite the challenges they face, the women have shown determination and resilience in their efforts to achieve autonomy. Their story serves as an inspiration to other women in similar situations and demonstrates the importance of supporting initiatives that promote women's economic independence.
The ADFY's achievements demonstrate that with the right support and resources, women can transform their lives and their communities. The association's experience highlights the need for continued support for women's empowerment initiatives, particularly in regions affected by conflict and displacement. By promoting women's autonomy and economic independence, organizations like the ADFY can contribute to the overall development and stability of their communities.
Key points
- The ADFY's innovative approach to pisciculture and compost production has enabled the women to reduce their dependence on external aid and generate their own income.
- The association's experience serves as a model for women's empowerment in Burkina Faso and demonstrates the potential for women to drive their own development.
- The "Pagb Yidgr-Sooré" campaign aims to promote female entrepreneurship and improve women's living conditions in regions affected by conflict and displacement.
