Area of intervention
Ponasi, Corridor 1, Centre-South region
Ziniaré, Central Plateau
Burkina Faso: Sustainable economy and preservation of the environment
Aim
Our project aims for sustainable development in the South-central region of Burkina Faso. We want to create a dynamics that brings together economy and environment, taking into consideration the needs of the neighbouring population (the areas are dedicated to gathering, and harvesting, wood supply, etc.) as well as the need to preserve the flora and fauna. The common theme is the valorisation of resources: honey, shea butter and crops.
This region is affected by the damaging effects of climate change, and in particular droughts, while nature is the main source of revenue for local populations. The agroecological approach provides an appropriate response to this problem, by allowing the soil to fertilize again, generating an increase in productivity, and helping diversify sources of revenue (through apiculture, for example).
Thanks to the expertise of our local partners (APAF, l’association Impulsion and NATUDEV), we can train and support local farmers in applying agroforestry techniques to increase productivity, and in settling hives.
Regarding the agroecological approaches, on one side we have the RNA (Assisted Natural Regeneration): it aims to stimulate the planting and development of multipurpose woody species in the fields. The RNA method helps to improve soil fertility, increase floral diversity and productivity of agricultural lands, restore degraded soil and forest cover.
Moreover, the promotion of fertilizing trees, developed by APAF ( ), is largely shared in the six villages involved. The focus is on some species of trees which share the characteristics of being fertilizers: these trees enrich the arable layer of the soil, improving texture and favoring structuring by developing symbiotic relationships with the cultivated plants (more details here).
In order to diversify the sources of income of populations and to mitigate poverty, two other sectors are developed in addition to subsistence farming: apiculture and the transformation of shea butter.
The elephant corridor
“The elephant corridor” is located between two protected areas, the Kaboré Tambi national park and the Nazinga Ranch. The 4 hectare-corridor (approximately 10 acres), is a movement zone for elephants between the two reserves. The aim is to offer these big mammals a safe moving space. But during their passing, they often damage crops, thus they represent a threat for the neighbouring fields. In order to avoid crops destruction and subsistence endangering for the population, we developed a technique satisfying existing needs, with our partner NatuDev.
Apiculture provides a sustainable means of subsistence for the local population and at the same time, elephants naturally stay away from bees. Trained apiculturists set hives all around the crops, they attract the bees by steaming different substances (eucalyptus, sap, cowpat), and protect the fields from the elephants. This technique not only helps the bees come together all around the corridor, forcing the elephants to move away, but also allows harvest honey twice a year.
Besides apiculture, the sector of shea butter is also supported. Nuts are collected and then transformed into shea butter. This activity enables small groups (often women) to have an additional source of income.
Sustainable management of territories and resources, support to the local population that benefits from entrepreneurship, and the implementation of projects with local partners, are the pillars that underpin our actions in the southern countries.
The Central Plateau
The Balanitès oil processing unit (non-timber forest product), previously installed in Barsalogho and supervised by the Impulsion Association, has been moved to Ziniaré, due to insecurity.
The sustainable management of territories and resources, the support of beneficiary populations to entrepreneurship and the implementation of projects with local partners are the pillars that underlie our development actions in the South.
Budget
€1,410,997 (2017-2021)