The Program

PHS started a program in Burkina Faso last year in September to support local farmers in the region. Burkina Faso is one of the countries in West Africa with a high poverty rate, and most of the population relies on agriculture as a source of income. The program aims to increase the productivity and revenue of smallholder farmers in the region.
The program is being implemented in two areas in Burkina Faso, Centre Region, and Plateau-Central Region, and it targets more than 200 farmers. The program is being implemented in collaboration with the government of Burkina Faso and local NGOs.

The program's first phase focuses on supporting farmers with training, inputs, and technical assistance. The program also aims to promote sustainable land use practices and increase access to markets for farmers.
In addition, PHS is working closely with local partners to identify the needs of farmers in the region and tailor interventions to meet their needs. The program also promotes gender equality by ensuring that women farmers are included in all aspects of the program.

How we are doing it?

The program has adopted a holistic approach that focuses on improving the region's entire value chain of agriculture. The first step in the program is to identify the needs of farmers in the area. This is done through a participatory approach involving working with local partners and farmers. The program then trains farmers on best practices in agriculture, including soil management, crop rotation, and irrigation. The program also provides farmers with seeds, fertilizer, and pesticides to increase their productivity.

PHS is also working on improving access to markets for farmers. This is done by forming farmer groups and cooperatives that allow farmers to sell their produce collectively. The program also promotes innovative technologies, such as mobile apps, to connect farmers with markets and provide them with price information and market trends.
PHS is working with local partners to develop these technologies and ensure that they are accessible to all farmers in the region.

The program is also focused on promoting sustainable land use practices. For example, PHS is working with farmers to promote agroforestry, which involves planting trees alongside crops. This helps to increase soil fertility and reduce erosion. PHS is also promoting the use of organic fertilizers and other sustainable practices that reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This helps to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture in the region.
Finally, the program is focused on promoting gender equality. PHS is working to ensure that women farmers are included in all aspects of the program. This includes providing training and inputs to women farmers and ensuring that they have equal access to markets. PHS is also working to promote the role of women in agriculture by highlighting the important contributions they make to the sector.

What we are learning?

The program is still in its early stages, but PHS is already learning much from experience. One of the main lessons learned is the importance of working with local partners. By working with local NGOs and government agencies, PHS can better understand the needs of farmers in the region and tailor interventions to meet their needs. PHS is also learning about the importance of engaging with farmers and involving them in decision-making.
By working with farmers to identify their needs, PHS can develop more effective and sustainable interventions.

Another lesson learned is the importance of promoting sustainable land use practices. By promoting agroforestry and other sustainable practices, PHS can reduce the environmental impact of agriculture in the region. This helps to ensure the sector's long-term viability and promote food security in the area. Finally, PHS is learning about promoting gender equality in agriculture. By providing that women farmers are included in all aspects of the program, PHS is working to address the gender gap in agriculture and promote gender equality.

Through our partnerships with local women's groups and cooperatives, we provide training and resources to help women increase their productivity and income. This includes training on improved farming techniques, access to credit and financial services, and support for women's participation in decision-making processes at the community level. By empowering women farmers, we are not only improving their livelihoods but also contributing to the overall economic growth and development of Burkina Faso.