Success story
In Burkina Faso, women strengthen their economic autonomy and climate resilience
November 6, 2026In the municipalities of Arbollé, Kaya and Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso, women are gaining time, skills and opportunities to strengthen their economic autonomy and participate more actively in their communities. Through the Ecosystem Resilience and Women’s Leadership in the Sahel (REELS) project, led by CECI and its partners and primarily funded by the Government of Canada, women are supported to reduce unpaid domestic work, develop sustainable economic activities and strengthen community resilience to climate change. In this project, over 860 women have been reached directly and more than 3,600 people indirectly. The initiative responds to a key barrier to women’s participation in economic and community life: the time spent on unpaid household work.
Reducing Workload and Expanding Opportunities
Women in rural communities often spend several hours a day preparing food, collecting water and gathering firewood. To reduce this workload, the initiative supported locally adapted solutions, including solar-powered mills and ovens, water points, motorized tricycles, carts and improved stoves.
The results are significant:
- 100% of surveyed women reported a reduction in their domestic workload;
- women save an estimated two to four hours per day;
- 74% reported increased participation in community decision-making.
The time gained creates opportunities for women to pursue income-generating activities, training and community engagement.
Strengthening Sustainable Livelihoods and Ecosystem Resilience
The initiative also supports women involved in sustainable value chains for non-timber forest products, including shea, African locust bean, moringa, baobab and balanites. Training in processing, product development, quality improvement and market access helps women diversify their sources of income while promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.
In Arbollé, women are also contributing to ecosystem restoration and sustainable natural resource management. More than 410 women received training in agroforestry and sustainable natural resource management, while over 220 helped restore more than 50 hectares of degraded land. Some participants have also developed income-generating activities through the production and sale of seedlings, linking economic opportunities with ecosystem restoration.
Women Shaping More Resilient Communities
As their workload decreases and their skills and economic opportunities grow, women are increasingly participating in community meetings and local decision-making. Their involvement strengthens their voice in issues that directly affect their lives, including natural resource management and climate change adaptation.
The progress achieved through REELS reflects a participatory approach developed with communities and supported by technical and financial partners. By responding to priorities identified by women and communities, the project helps strengthen women’s economic autonomy, leadership and resilience to climate change in rural Burkina Faso.
CECI gratefully acknowledges the support of the Peter Gilgan Foundation and its partners in advancing initiatives that help women strengthen their economic autonomy, exercise leadership and contribute to more inclusive, sustainable and climate-resilient communities.
Our partners
We would like to thank our financial and implementing partners, without whom this project would not be possible. The REELS project is made possible through funding from the Government of Canada provided through Global Affairs Canada.
