The Partnership for Resilience in the Sahel has yielded tangible results in the Goulmou region, particularly in Fada, where agricultural investments have led to the development of a market garden, rehabilitation of degraded highlands, and the creation of ten hectares of low-lying areas dedicated to rice cultivation. These initiatives have benefited over 120 households, comprising internally displaced persons and host populations.
A recent visit to the site by agencies involved in the project's implementation, including the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), highlighted the project's visible and palpable impact. The market garden, which employs over 120 households, has improved living conditions and reinforced autonomy among beneficiaries.
Mamouda Thiombiano, president of the management committee, attested to the positive change brought about by the project, stating that it has enabled them to produce, sell, consume, and share with neighbors in need. With training and support, including small ruminant livestock, households have generated sufficient income to cover household expenses, including children's education.
The project's impact extends beyond agriculture, with improved hygiene conditions for farmers, including the construction of two eco-san latrines. These facilities not only promote hygiene but also convert waste into fertilizer for agricultural use. Beneficiaries have expressed appreciation for the initiative, which has raised awareness about hygiene and provided a valuable resource for farming.
According to Didace Kayiranga, head of the resilience unit at the WFP, the project caters to both internally displaced persons and host populations. He praised the results achieved by beneficiaries and the project's positive impact on their living conditions, highlighting the interconnectedness of agricultural activities with education, hygiene, and sanitation.
Bassirou Mandé, regional director of agriculture for Goulmu, emphasized that the project is an integrated initiative supporting the government's program, particularly the Agro-Pastoral and Fisheries Offensive. He noted that the project's success is contingent upon beneficiaries taking ownership and ensuring the sustainability of investments, warning that those who fail to do so may face exclusion.
The project's achievements have sparked calls for replication in other regions of Burkina Faso, with Mamouda Thiombiano advocating for the initiative's expansion to empower populations and alleviate precariousness. With the project's positive impact evident, stakeholders are urging continued support and commitment to sustaining the investments made in Fada.
Key points
- The Partnership for Resilience in the Sahel has improved living conditions for over 120 households in Fada through agricultural investments.
- The project has promoted sustainable agricultural practices, including the use of eco-san latrines and fertilizer production from waste.
- Beneficiaries have called for the project's replication in other regions of Burkina Faso to empower populations and alleviate precariousness.
