heks

Agricultural resources are becoming increasingly scarce in the Sahelian country of Burkina Faso, with diminishing yields due to over-exploited land, erosion, deforestation and gradual desertification. This has serious consequences in that around 90 per cent of the population live off the land. As such, agriculture is extremely important and safeguards the survival of the majority of the population. HEKS supports two projects in Burkina Faso. Both are aimed at the development of rural communities. Producers are helped and farmers are taught organic farming methods.

Aims, points of focus, initiatives:

As part of its strategic focus on the “Development of rural communities” HEKS finances a women’s group project in the Nahouri province aimed at improving the marketing of their shea butter.  The sale of shea butter is a major source of income for the women. In many cases, however, the women do not get a good price or cannot find a buyer. The aim of the project is therefore to enhance the quality and increase the quantity of the butter production and to facilitate and ensure access to new markets.

The project financed by HEKS run by the “Centre Ecologique Albert Schweitzer” (CEAS) advises farmers on ecological issues in agriculture and uses practical object lessons and visual aids to teach and generally encourage organic farming which is not a drain on natural resources. The CEAS also runs an experimental garden demonstrating new cultivation methods or trying out crop insecticides or improved seeds.