Growing food and incomes from forest products
Why was this project needed?
In Burkina Faso, poverty and hunger are widespread issues. During the long dry months, when people struggle to grow enough food, many can only eat once a day. Children often suffer the effects the most, with mothers being forced to rely on non-nutritious foods like maize to feed them.
One-third of the country’s farmland is already degraded due to the effects of the climate crisis and deforestation — the clearing of trees for things like farms. This is making it even harder for people to grow enough crops to eat and sell to earn an income.
Our aims
This project aimed to support women and children who are often the most vulnerable to hunger and poverty. Nutrition gardens were created and people received training on how to grow and care for moringa and baobab trees, providing nutritious food to 2,000 households.
We also worked with local authorities to influence policies and laws, helping to protect trees and promote the use of their products to make things like shea butter to sell. We supported communities with tools, training, and opportunities to sell their products in shops and kiosks.
Our partners
This project was made possible with funding from the Swiss Development Co-operation. We are working with local partners to implement this project.
