Burkina Faso: Thematic Group in action

The Thematic Group on rural development and food security in Burkina Faso is involved in numerous activities that range from national policy formulation in rural development and food security areas, preparation and distribution of joint publications, to identification of resources for country activities as well as joint implementation of projects.

During the year 2004, the Thematic Group was particularly involved in several efforts such as: revising the “Strategic Framework for the Fight against Poverty” engaged by the government; the elaboration of a rural development strategy in coherence with the strategic framework; the national strategy for the development of irrigated agriculture and the drafting of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF).

In the Thematic Group, numerous Civil Society and Non Governmental Organizations participate as well as the Ouagadougou University and research institutes. Various UN Agencies (UNDP, UNICEF UNFPA, WFP, UNAIDS, UNHABITAT, WHO, FAO, World Bank, IMF) are also involved in this process.

In addition, a National Alliance Against Hunger emerged in October 2003, thanks to the efforts of Civil Society and Non Governmental Organizations. Recently, the secretariat of the National Alliance against hunger in Burkina Faso confirmed its participation in the fight against hunger through the following volunteer actions:

• Each year the NAAH wants at least a large institution to enter the alliance.
• An advocacy campaign will be held in order to highlight the value of the local nutrition products each year.
• Mobilize at least USD1000 each year for the financing of micro-projects proposed and led by rural organizations.
• Assist ten rural organizations in managing the loans for their micro-projects on food security each year.

Upon the invitation of the National Council for Food and Nutritional Security of Brazil (CONSEA), the National Alliance Against Hunger au Burkina Faso attended the World Social Forum from 26 to 31 January 2005 in Porto Alegre to participate in a food security and nutrition panel.

For more information on the National Alliances in the IAAH website, please click here.

For more information on the activities of the Thematic Group please contact the FAO representative in Burkina Faso at FAOBF@fao.org