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International Women’s Day: courtesy visit to women strawberry producers at the Boulmiougou Dam

07 March 2025

In anticipation of International Women’s Day, the ECDD-GIRE project team (World Waternet, Agriterra, and Auxfin) visited a women's cooperative specialising in strawberry production near Boulmiougou Dam, Ouagadougou. In Burkina Faso, women are often responsible for safeguarding and managing water. From securing drinking water to irrigating crops, their dedication sustains families and communities. These achievements often go unrecognised, but they shouldn’t. On the 8th of March, we are reminded to recognise and celebrate women and their achievements; but we believe this should happen every day.

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A visit to showcase women's contributions to agriculture

This visit provided an opportunity to engage with cooperative members, particularly the women, to discuss their agricultural activities and the significant role they play in local development. Strawberry cultivation, a crop requiring substantial water resources and technical expertise, stands as a promising sector that contributes to the economic empowerment of the women involved.

It is essential to highlight that this cooperative partners with Agriterra as part of the HortiPlus project, a programme aimed at strengthening the capacities of horticultural cooperatives in Burkina Faso. HortiPlus is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, reflecting the commitment of key stakeholders to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

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Challenges in accessing water during the dry season

In discussions, the women shared the challenges they face in accessing water, particularly during the dry season. The declining water levels in the dam limit their irrigation capacity, directly affecting both production and cooperative revenues.

"During the dry season, it becomes difficult to maintain good yields. We often have to find alternative solutions to irrigate our crops," shared one of the producers.

This issue underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management solutions to help enhance agricultural resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.

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A collective commitment to sustainable development

Although this visit was primarily a gesture of courtesy for International Women’s Day, it also strengthened the bonds between stakeholders committed to women’s empowerment and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.

The ECDD-GIRE project team commends the dedication of these women producers and firmly believes that initiatives like HortiPlus play a crucial role in advancing inclusive and sustainable agricultural practices.

This day was an opportunity for exchange and recognition, reaffirming that women’s empowerment is directly linked to supporting their agricultural initiatives and ensuring equitable access to natural resources.