The Association for Research in Training, Advisory Support for Development (ARFAC-Dev) organized a review conference on economic development and local and inclusive entrepreneurship on August 21 and 22, 2024 in Bobo-Dioulasso. Aim, to present the results of its activities in the five communities (Banfora, Mangodara, Niangoloko, Ouo and Sidéradougou) of the province of Comoé.
During the review conference, each city presented its action plan of action for implementation. These cities have the challenge of welcoming large numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in their territories. These IDPs have difficulty integrating socially and economically into the host communities because they are strangers to these municipalities. It is in this context that ARFAC-Dev took the initiative to train internally displaced persons and host communities in entrepreneurship. The training was also aimed at state and municipal officials responsible for local economic development and entrepreneurship. This was made possible thanks to the partnership and funding of the “The Hague Local Government Academy” in the Netherlands or The Hague Academy. ARFAC-Dev’s main objective is to promote employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people, women, displaced persons and host communities, despite security challenges.
According to Balagassina Ouattara, the Coordinator, “our project through ARFAC-Dev revolves around local development and entrepreneurship. For this, we did 12 months of activity and we focused on internally displaced populations and people with disabilities. We implemented the project by holding training sessions in Ouagadougou for the benefit of 25 people from the five municipalities involved in the project. These educated people who are key places in their society, then returned to train colleagues and other people in their communities.” He then said “we have set up exhibition centers for local products to allow these cooperatives from the five municipalities to boost the national economy”. He notes that “the meeting will bring together the relevant stakeholders where each will present their action plan in the presence of non-governmental development organizations and embassies”.
For Arnaud Noufé, Regional Director in charge of youth in Comoé, “the project is an advantage for us, because we have action plans to train young people in entrepreneurship in our province. With the advent of such a project, we can only support it.”
A few words from cooperative producers
Mafarma Sorry, SOTRIA-B Burkina cashew cooperative from Banfora
“We handle mangoes, cashew oil and almond paste. I specialize in cashew processing here in Banfora. I am very grateful to ARFAC-Dev for offering us this training so that we can develop and succeed in our areas.”
Makaridia Ouattara, a cooperative Lenake from Mangodara
“I work on local rice. I was trained in shea butter processing. I was trained thanks to ARFAC-Dev. I thank the project for its true value. I am asking for more support from partners in the coming days so that we can go very far in everything we do.”
Kamissa Diarra, Allah Son collaboration from Sideradougou
“We process parboiled rice, white rice of several varieties in Sidéradougou. I think this support will give us the opportunity to develop our communities through promoting our local products. I am a trainer because I was trained and then I trained colleagues and other people in my command. What I want from partners is to support us more so that we become big companies.”
Madjara Ouattara, Fotimogoban cooperation from Ouo
“I would like to thank the project. We want the project to continue supporting us with processing equipment to better succeed in our operations. Today we are working but we still need help and funding to be permanent in our activity.”
Tiohemena Traoré / Sib, collaborator Eben Ezer de Niangoloko
“I am involved in the processing of mangoes and cassava. I trained to be able to start a business. We thank the project because, before, we were working randomly. But thanks to the training, we got organized. We want more support or other projects to come forward.”
Ben Alassane DAO
