Adapting Programming to Major Insecurity in Burkina Faso

This case study documents experience from SNV in the Eastern region of Burkina Faso during the COVID-19 pandemic. Insecurity led to high numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) arriving in programme areas, impacting WASH implementation efforts, for example disrupting behavioural changes that had become a given in some communities, and putting increasing pressure on the use of water points and sanitation facilities. Many communities became inaccessible overnight due to insecurity, making standard implementation processes impossible for project staff. Communities were also experiencing increased climate shocks such as flooding, storms and droughts; and struggling with construction in a tough physical environment with rocky ground. Insecurity and climate shocks exacerbated gender inequality and had a disproportionate impact on girls and women, compounded still further if they were also IDPs. During the pandemic, programme areas were not accessible for programme staff, and adaptations were made to enable implementation to continue with remote support. Successful initiatives included training of existing village or neighbourhood sanitation committees (CAVQs) to undertake triggering, remote monitoring, and development of post-ODF action plans that incorporated IDPs; integration of IDPs and women into sanitation committees; introduction of village savings and loans associations (VSLAs) to increase the purchasing power of communities and female-headed households; and training masons to develop adaptations to meet the challenging physical conditions in the area.