A WaterAid-funded well in Burkina Faso.
WaterAid / Suzanne Porter
Burkina Faso is one of WaterAid's newest country programs. Since 2001 we have worked in the rural Garango, Ramongo and Bokin districts helping the country's poorest people gain access to safe, sustainable water supplies and sanitation. These basic human rights underpin health, education and livelihoods and form the first, essential step in overcoming poverty.
Burkina Faso is one of the world's poorest countries, where one in five children dies under the age of five. Just over half of the population has access to clean water, while less than 15% have access to sanitation.
WaterAid now works with seven partner organizations in Burkina Faso helping the most disadvantaged in society gain access to safe water, sanitation and good hygiene. It is also increasing its policy and advocacy work to influence national and local government to do the same.
Achievements to date
- Following successful implementation by WaterAid and local partners, the community-led total sanitation approach was included in the National Sanitation Strategy in 2009.
- WaterAid organized the country’s first National Sanitation Forum in 2008, further building the profile of this neglected sector.
- Following campaigning by WaterAid, Burkina Faso’s Head of State announced in 2010 that he will pilot a National Campaign on Sanitation to accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goal sanitation target.
- WaterAid reports about the use of rope pumps and rainwater harvesting were broadcast on national television.
Ami Ouedraogo washes in clean water in Seguedin.
WaterAid / Suzanne Porter
WaterAid and our partners carry out a range of projects. In Ramongo, work has focused on hygiene education, latrine building and rehabilitating boreholes.
In the Koulpeologo province the project is developing the WASH concept (water, sanitation and hygiene for all) in schools. This involves training teachers and encouraging the creation of school health clubs.
Soap production is an innovative scheme, where women make and sell soap. This enables them to earn an income while increasing hand washing - a simple practice that can reduce diarrheal diseases by over 40%. WaterAid's partners fund the initial set-up costs, which the women refund once the soap is produced and sold.
In just a few short years, WaterAid has made a huge impact in Burkina Faso. In 2004 the government gave WaterAid two awards for its support to deprived communities. The Minister for Economy stated "The various achievements have contributed to reducing the population's burden in terms of water supply, hygiene and sanitation issues."
Download Burkina Faso info sheet (1466.94KB) (PDF 656KB)
Back to top