Burkina Faso is the heart of our mission and of West Africa
A landlocked country in West Africa, Burkina Faso spans approximately 274,200 square kilometers (105,791 square miles) and sits at a cultural and geographic crossroads, bordered by six neighboring countries including: Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. Burkina Faso consistently ranks among the lowest on the United Nations Human Development Index, reflecting widespread poverty, limited access to education, and significant challenges in health and infrastructure.
The capital city, Ouagadougou, is the country’s administrative and cultural center. While French is the official language, many Burkinabè speak local languages with Mossi being the most widely spoken.
Formerly known as the Republic of Upper Volta, the country was renamed Burkina Faso in 1984 by President Thomas Sankara who became legendary for bold reforms focused on anti-corruption, women's rights, self-reliance, and pan-African solidarity. The name Burkina Faso means “Land of Upright People,” a reflection of the resilience and dignity of its population. As of 2020, the United Nations estimated the population at 20.9 million.
We work in the towns of Tanghin-Dassouri and Komsilga in partnership with the communities to expand access to clean water, create opportunities for women and girls, and build sustainable, local solutions.
The Problem: A Deepening Water Crisis in Burkina Faso
In rural Burkina Faso, more than 63% of people lack access to safe drinking water, and 88% live without basic sanitation services leading to preventable illnesses like diarrhea, which claims more than 4,000 young lives each year (WHO).
Meanwhile, over 5,769 wells are broken, many unusable for years due to a lack of repair and expertise in maintaining infrastructure. Climate change is making things worse, reducing rainfall and intensifying food insecurity for communities that rely heavily on agriculture. Ongoing conflict has displaced nearly 2 million people (UNHCR), adding pressure to already overstretched water systems.
"Women and girls usually have the responsibility of fetching water. This can be a dangerous, time-consuming and physically demanding task. Long journeys by foot, often more than once a day, can leave women and girls vulnerable to attack and often precludes them from school or earning an income.” – UN Water
This is a multidimensional crisis demanding urgent, sustainable solutions.