USAID Snapshot Template - Success Story

These groups are disrupting vital communities by cutting off access to water and conducting deadly attacks. As a result, the National Office for Water and Sanitation (ONEA) has suspended its efforts to repair water points damaged by VEOs until the state can guarantee the safety of its engineers. Given the state's insufficient response to the needs of residents, community-based solutions have become essential to address the influence of VEOs. USAID/OTI's Burkina Faso Regional Program (BFRP) collaborated with a Burkinabe non-profit organization to conduct a mapping exercise to identify existing water points and assess drinking water access. The exercise aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the water sources available in the region, including their physical location, access, production (flow rate), and quality. The non-profit organization produced a report analyzing the quality and quantity of water sources, as well as a strategy with recommendations to optimize these sources to serve the growing number of displaced citizens. The report highlights the need to prioritize water access in the Sahel region, where communities are struggling to access safe drinking water. The report's findings and recommendations are expected to inform future interventions in the WASH sector, with the potential to strengthen the voices of community leaders and improve water access for vulnerable populations. The interest shown by international partners in the WASH sector is a positive development, as it may lead to increased support for community-based initiatives aimed at addressing the water crisis in the Sahel region. The BFRP's efforts to support community-based solutions to the water crisis in the Sahel region are critical to addressing the root causes of the crisis. By working with local organizations and stakeholders, the program aims to build resilience and improve water access for communities affected by VEOs. The program's focus on community-led initiatives is essential to ensuring that solutions are tailored to the specific needs of the communities and are sustainable in the long term. The Sahel region's water crisis is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. The BFRP's efforts to support community-based solutions, combined with the interest shown by international partners, offer hope for improving water access and addressing the influence of VEOs in the region. By prioritizing community-led initiatives and working with local stakeholders, the program aims to build a more resilient and sustainable water system that benefits vulnerable populations in the Sahel region.