BOUSSÉ, BURKINA FASO – The Association of Women in the Mining Sector of Burkina Faso (AFEMIB) wrapped up a series of training sessions on Wednesday aimed at empowering local women’s and youth groups in Boussé and Silmiougou through skills in small ruminant breeding and market gardening.
According to Burkina Information Agency, these workshops focused on practical and theoretical aspects of agriculture and were part of an ongoing effort to foster economic self-sufficiency in mining-impacted communities. The training sessions were attended by around fifty individuals, including members from the Nooma youth group in Silmiougou and the nayinéré association for the integral development of women of Kourwéogo (ANDI/FK) in Boussé. The initiative falls under AFEMIB’s “Economic integration and community development” program, financially backed by the Project to Support the Strengthening of Land and Mines Management (PARGFM).
Annociata P. Thiombiano, the general secretary of AFEMIB, outlined the process starting from a diagnostic study to identify the participants and suitable income-generating activities for them. This was followed by a workshop to finalize the choice of activities, paving the way for hands-on training sessions. Topics covered included soil preparation, irrigation techniques, pest control, and animal husbandry, emphasizing the importance of cooperative efforts and collective entrepreneurship.
The workshops garnered positive feedback from the participants, who appreciated the support from AFEMIB, PARGFM, and the consulting firm “What you need”, noting that the skills acquired would help enhance their economic opportunities and improve community life. Fatoumata Gansonré/Guelbéogo, president of ANDI/FK, highlighted the commitment of all partners to the project’s timeline and objectives, urging continued collaboration and shared effort among the members.