Characteristics of Self-perceived Household Resilience among Rural Households in Burkina Faso

The concept of resilience is not well-defined and is difficult to measure. This paper aims to identify the characteristics of self-perceived resilience among a small sample of women in rural Burkina Faso. The study utilized a "resilience diary" methodology with 46 women to understand how households anticipated and responded to shocks over a seven-month period. The diaries consisted of a series of ten interviews with the same participants, focusing on demographic background, hopes and dreams, shock-coping strategies, use of financial services, food security, income-generating activities, social capital, household decision-making dynamics, health, attitudes and perceptions, and program participation and future outlook. Members from two Freedom from Hunger partners, le Reseau des Caisses Populaires du Burkina Faso (RCPB) and the Office de Développement des Eglises Evangéliques (ODE), participated in the diaries. The study found that self-perceived resilient households were associated with higher median savings amounts, belonging to a microfinance institution (MFI) and a savings group, saving money for health, and not being afraid of one's husband. These households were also more likely to use fewer coping mechanisms overall and respond to shocks only with positive coping mechanisms, such as using savings, borrowing from financial institutions, and starting a new economic activity. Self-perceived resilience was not associated with variables such as average savings amount, receipt of remittances, belonging to either an MFI or a savings group alone, having a chronic illness, and feeling happy or satisfied with life. The study also found that self-perceived resilience was associated with being less likely to borrow money from friends and family, reduce food consumption, make purchases on credit from vendors, and work harder as a result of a shock. The study highlights the importance of financial services in building household resilience, particularly those designed to help households diversify their income streams and anticipate and cope with shocks. Providing financial services to help households use livestock as an independent income-generating activity holds promise. Measuring self-perceived resilience, either alone or combined with objective variables, could be an effective and important measure of household resilient status. The study's findings have implications for organizations interested in resilience and financial services. They suggest that providing financial services to help households anticipate and cope with shocks is crucial in building household resilience. The study also highlights the importance of considering the social and economic context in which households operate, including factors such as poverty status, food security, and social capital. By understanding the characteristics of self-perceived resilience, organizations can design more effective programs to support households in building their resilience and improving their well-being.