Ouagadougou: The High Commissioner of the Gourma province, Silas Nacanabo, expressed his satisfaction on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in Fada N'Gourma, with the achievements of the "ESPOIR" project, implemented by the NGO Lutheran World Relief (LWR). He noted that the beneficiaries had successfully transformed the support received into sustainable income-generating activities.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the "ESPOIR" project, financed with more than 02 billion CFA francs by the United States State Department for a period of two years, intervened in seven communes, including Fada N'Gourma, Gayri, Bilanga, Pila, Manni, Bourzanga, and Kongoussi. The High Commissioner, accompanied by officials from provincial technical services in charge of Health, Agriculture, Youth, and National Solidarity, conducted a field visit on Thursday, August 20, 2026, to assess the project's achievements and engage with the beneficiaries.
Wendiempo Tankoano, a beneficiary, explained that he received support for setting up a soilless garden, as well as equipment and training on production techniques and crop maintenance. He noted that such training has significantly helped them realize the potential of using available resources like bags and jerrycans for gardening. Additionally, the project enabled him to develop livestock farming activities, including pigs and ducks, which complement his restaurant business.
His wife, Youmanli Nadinga, another beneficiary, shared that the material support received allowed her to strengthen her restaurant business. She highlighted the importance of kitchen equipment, food supplies, and the communal dining area provided by the project. The soilless production method also supplies their restaurant with vegetables, reducing food expenses and increasing their income.
The project has also empowered internally displaced individuals living in Fada N'Gourma. Daguisseba Combr, one such individual, shared that he now earns a living through livestock farming supported by the "ESPOIR" project. He raises a bull and a ram, whose market value can exceed 300,000 CFA francs each, demonstrating the lasting impact of the support received.
Beyond income-generating activities, Lutheran World Relief has fortified health structures in Fada N'Gourma by establishing learning groups and monitoring infant and young child feeding practices. This initiative aims to enhance household knowledge and practices regarding child nutrition and care, contributing to the prevention and management of child malnutrition.
Despite these successes, beneficiaries noted challenges such as access to water and insufficient agricultural equipment and transportation means necessary for developing catering and production activities.
At the conclusion of the visit, the High Commissioner, Silas Nacanabo, lauded the project's outcomes and particularly the beneficiaries' ability to maintain the initiatives. "The beneficiaries have been able to integrate and sustain the activities, ranging from agricultural production to the creation of small local businesses. It is a concrete model of resilience that aligns perfectly with the strategic directions of the government," he emphasized.
Kouka Zougrana/Yamogo, Country Director of Lutheran World Relief, stated that the project's strategy involved providing each household with at least two complementary production activities and ensuring continuous monitoring of the nutritional status of children under five.
The "ESPOIR" project, officially concluding on August 31, 2026, has enabled many host and internally displaced households to bolster their livelihoods, enhance their nutrition, and establish activities poised to continue beyond the project's timeframe.