OUAGADOUGOU – The Diobass Ecology and Society Association, a collaboration of peasant organizations, research groups, and experts, has initiated a project aimed at bolstering the resilience of family farms against climate change impacts. This move was announced on Friday in Ouagadougou, marking a significant step towards agricultural sustainability in the region.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Coordinator of the Diobass Ecology and Society platform, the project was officially launched during a workshop in Ouagadougou. Saka emphasized the urgency of developing local solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on farming. He detailed that the initiative involves farmers actively identifying issues, seeking solutions, and experimenting with these solutions, with support from agricultural, livestock, and environmental technical services.

The program comprises two key projects. The first, with a budget of 567,000 euros and a 36-month duration, focuses on supporting family farms’ resilience and adaptation to climate change effects. The second project, funded by Christian Aid at £49,902, mirrors the first in its goals and approach but is planned for a 12-month period.

Romuald Compaoré, President of the Board of Directors of Diobass Ecology and Society, highlighted the projects’ emphasis on engaging peasant organizations, action research groups, and small producers on family farms. He noted that the targeted intervention zones include 12 municipalities, with 3 municipalities specifically benefiting from a soil restoration project to adapt to climate change impacts.

The approach of Diobass prioritizes farmer action research, fostering innovation adoption and enhanced supervision of producers, as well as increased stakeholder accountability, as stated by Compaoré.

Representing Christian Aid, Alfred Ouédraogo acknowledged Diobass’s effectiveness in combating climate change’s negative effects and justified their funding decision for the one-year trial project. Ouédraogo outlined Christian Aid’s dynamic approach to ensuring strengthened partnerships by the project’s conclusion.

This initiative follows Diobass’s previous three-year plan (2020-2023) and extends until July 2026. Diobass, established in Burkina Faso in 1994, operates under the Diobass Ecology and Society association, focusing on social, economic, cultural, and environmental dynamics to benefit grassroots populations.