Burkina Faso

Project Overview

Agriculture is a cornerstone of Burkina Faso’s economy, contributing around 30% of GDP and employing more than 80% of the population. The sector plays a vital role in food security and livelihoods, particularly in rural areas, while also facing evolving challenges related to land use, climate variability, value chain development and access to finance.

Food systems are increasingly influenced by population growth, environmental changes and shifting socio-economic conditions. In this context, there are opportunities to promote more sustainable practices that enhance soil health, protect biodiversity and improve water management, while strengthening resilience to climate variability.

The project focuses on key value chains: maize, rice, ruminants and aquaculture, which are central to food security, livelihoods and economic development. Strengthening productivity, improving market linkages and enhancing coordination among actors can help unlock their full potential and support more sustainable and resilient food systems.

Our approach

The project adopts an integrated landscape approach to transform food systems by strengthening governance, finance, production systems, and knowledge.

It enhances the enabling environment by improving national governance frameworks, strengthening multi-stakeholder coordination, and promoting inclusive decision-making processes. Commodity platforms and spatial planning tools support better land-use decisions and policy coherence.

The project mobilizes financing for sustainable food systems by developing investment pathways, promoting blended finance mechanisms, and improving access to financial services for producers and small enterprises. Special attention is given to gender-responsive financing and support for women-led businesses.

At the landscape level, the project supports restoration and sustainable management of land and water resources. It promotes agroecological practices, sustainable livestock management, and improved aquaculture systems, while strengthening the capacities of producers and institutions. Public-private producer partnerships are established to support sustainable value chains.

Knowledge, innovation, and learning are central components, including monitoring systems, technology adoption, and knowledge sharing at national and global levels. This supports scaling of successful practices and long-term transformation of food systems.

Sites

The project is implemented across four regions in Burkina Faso:

• Centre
• Boucle du Mouhoun
• Hauts-Bassins
• Sud-Ouest,

covering diverse agro-ecological zones and food production systems.