The governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are working together with international partners, including the World Bank, to implement the Community-Based Recovery and Stabilization Project for the Sahel (PCRSS). This initiative is designed to improve the resilience of communities facing insecurity, displacement, and poverty in the Sahel region.
With funding totaling $352.5 million, the project aims to provide emergency response, support economic recovery, promote peace, and strengthen security in vulnerable areas such as Liptako-Gourma. The focus is on helping communities recover from ongoing crises and increasing their ability to withstand future challenges.
In Burkina Faso, the project has been instrumental in addressing community needs across different sectors. One of its main activities involves supporting women and young people by providing training and equipment needed to start or revive income-generating activities.
Safiatou Ouédraogo, a second-year learner at the Centre d'éducation de base non formelle (CEBNF) in Ouahigouya, described how conditions have improved: “There were 10 to 12 of us on the same sewing machine. We had to wait two weeks to be able to practice.” The addition of 85 new sewing machines now allows only three or four students to share each one.
In Boussouma in the Centre-North region, learners previously shared just three old machines among 37 students. With 50 new machines provided by PCRSS, learning conditions have improved significantly.
The equipment distributed—including sewing machines, irons, tables, tape measures, fabrics, and scissors—was selected after consultations with community members. Beneficiaries include internally displaced people as well as vulnerable members of host communities.
Claire Ouédraogo from Korsimoro Center explained her plans: “Upon completion of my training, I intend to establish my own workshop. My objectives are to achieve success, secure a livelihood, and ensure my long-term self-sufficiency.”
Managers at centers like Ambroise Korgo’s CEBNF in Korsimoro also report benefits from modernizing outdated machinery that dated back as far as 1995.
The approach varies by municipality; some provide equipment directly to centers while others support individuals. In Djibo in northern Burkina Faso, 140 displaced or vulnerable people received sewing machines after losing their assets due to insecurity.
Since May 2022, a total of 337 sewing kits have been distributed at a cost equivalent to about 15 million FCFA. This effort aims to help those who want to rebuild their lives after being displaced.
The PCRSS-Burkina Faso project aligns with government strategies focused on stabilization and development by addressing humanitarian needs under specific national objectives. It operates through December 31, 2026 across several regions using an integrated approach.
Colonel-Major Blaise Ouédraogo, Governor of the Centre-North region stated: "The PCRSS has given hope to the populations to live".
According to project organizers and participants alike, providing practical tools tailored for community needs helps empower displaced women toward economic independence and personal stability.