Zoundweogo: The governor of the Nazinon region, Massadalo Yvette Nacoulma, officially launched the Ngourdam Pro-ARIDES project in Binde, Zoundweogo province. This project, set for 2025-2029, aims to enhance the resilience of agropastoral households against the dual challenges of climate change and security issues.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the launch event was attended by Jean Simpore, the technical advisor to the Minister Delegate in charge of Animal Resources, along with administrative and customary authorities, technical and financial partners, and numerous pastoral stakeholders. The project is implemented by the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) with financial backing from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The Ngourdam project, meaning "source of life" in Fulfulde, is scheduled to span 45 months, from December 2025 to August 2029, targeting 35,000 households and over 60,000 individual beneficiaries.

Samuel Bacye, representing the SNV country director, stated that the project seeks to sustainably improve the living conditions of agropastoral populations by enhancing their capacity to respond to climate and security challenges. It focuses on securing pastoral resources, adding value to livestock production, and bolstering community resilience through innovative agroecological practices.

Salifou Sare, representing Swiss Cooperation, emphasized the need for an integrated approach to support the livelihoods of vulnerable rural communities. The Regional Authority expressed appreciation for the partners' commitment and urged beneficiaries to effectively engage with the project to ensure its success.

The launch featured technical presentations and testimonials from stakeholders of the preceding program, MODHEM+/DDC (2021-2025), which underscored positive outcomes, particularly in women's economic empowerment and household income improvement. Participants also visited "Kaibo-Sud V4" village to witness the utilization of biodigesters, showcasing achievements in innovation and sustainable development.

Through this initiative, the implementing partners aim to enhance access to pastoral resources, generate economic opportunities, and promote food security in the targeted areas.