Development of a model for an ecological and women-led agricultural cooperative

In Burkina Faso, a developing country in West Africa, 801% of the working population lives and relies solely on agricultural activities. Paradoxically, in recent years, the government has encouraged industrial agricultural policies that threaten biodiversity and excluded women from agricultural projects despite their crucial role in climate change adaptation and the transformation of agricultural practices in Africa.

Indeed, the environmental situation is deteriorating in Burkina Faso, with massive land desiccation nationwide, making soil and biodiversity protection a major and pressing issue. This situation is compounded by rising poverty following recent crises, which are exacerbating malnutrition in the country.

Thus, the locality of Siguoguin, located in the central-western region of Burkina Faso, is particularly affected and fully reflects this situation. Most of the women there live off subsistence farming and find themselves in an extremely precarious situation, suffering from
malnutrition.

This project, led by the LAAFI association and its local partner BEO NEERE, aims to improve food security and economic empowerment for 350 rural families in Siguoguin through the creation of a model ecological agricultural cooperative in Burkina Faso. This will be achieved through training, educational workshops, and income-generating activities, among other things.