Eau, Cle Du Developpement Durable – GIRE

The aim ECDD-GIRE is to improve water management and access to water in order to strengthen climatic and economic resilience within the grassroots community in Burkina Faso. This overall objective is translated into two (02) specific objectives in line with SDG 6.4 and 6.5: 1. Capacity building in IWRM and local governance supported by digital technologies 2. Improve the qualitative and quantitative management of water resources for all uses and users.

To strengthen local water governance through digital technologies, ECDD GIRE offers training programs on water management techniques. These trainings are being expanded and deepened—reaching from the level of AEs down to water user committees (CLEs) and rural agricultural cooperatives, particularly those led by women. All training content is being integrated into a digital platform called WaterCoach.

The digital component of the project ensures the accessibility and widespread dissemination—especially at the grassroots level—of essential information on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), the 3Rs principle (Recharge, Retention, and Reuse), and other relevant techniques that promote efficient water use.

In addition, ECDD GIRE provides operational support to Agences de l’Eau and CLEs in implementing local IWRM plans. The partnership of WWn, Agriterra, and AUXFIN facilitates this process in a way that promotes sustainable water resource management and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmer cooperatives.

The initiative focuses on three key areas:

• Scaling up best practices by implementing appropriate water and soil conservation measures using a catchment-based approach around targeted water bodies.

• Mobilizing water resources for productive and domestic use.

• Preserving water and soil quality by promoting innovative techniques for soil conservation and restoration.