Burkina Faso Regional Program: Bi-weekly Report, December 2020

The program targets strategic communities, focusing on building resilience and promoting stability in the region. Increased Solidarity in Nord Communes is a key activity of the program. In response to terrorist attacks and threats, BFRP worked with local farmers to support communities in working together in larger, safer groups. This collective approach has made farmers less susceptible to attacks, as the shared work reduces the time spent in the fields. Community members have also revived traditional mechanisms of mutual assistance and solidarity, which had been weakened over the last few years. BFRP provided farmer groups with plows and carts to support them during the growing seasons, with carts proving particularly helpful to women who normally carry harvested products on their heads. The use of equipment has further supported community work in groups during planting activities. Building on the initial positive impact of reducing food insecurity and economic hardship, BFRP provided additional equipment to farmer groups to continue working hand-in-hand for greater stability in the region. The farmer groups ensure equal access to the carts and encourage farmers to work together, demonstrating solidarity in securing their harvests. Micro-projects Support Stability is another key activity of the program. In response to growing insecurity and a slowdown of economic activity, BFRP worked with a local community organization to provide alternative economic opportunities for youth. A three-day training was conducted for 50 young people, including 15 women, on how to draft business plans, conduct market assessments, and identify promising funding sources. This capacity-building support helped participants apply for government-sponsored micro-finance funding. The program also selected the top ten micro-projects in various sectors, providing project managers with refresher training on entrepreneurship and in-kind support to launch and sustain their proposed businesses. The program has achieved significant results, with 180 activities implemented and 394,700 program beneficiaries. BFRP has also partnered with 116 organizations to date, demonstrating its commitment to building a strong network of stakeholders in the region.