Evidence-based policymaking for the promotion of an EbA approach in the development of the green belt in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

The project sought to restore and rehabilitate three sites located in the Green Belt, which has been severely impacted by climate change and fast urbanisation leading to ecosystem degradation.

The adoption of sustainable resource management is necessary to protect farming activities and to preserve the biodiversity of the Green Belt. In the urban context of Ouagadougou, the Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) approach was promoted through a three-pillared strategy linking research, awareness-raising activities, and policymaking:

• To promote best practices for a more effective climate change mitigation strategy, the research component analysed the Green Belt ecosystem and its potential.
• Awareness activities and trainings targeted primary schools, farmers, and associations active in the area, playing a fundamental role in promoting the understanding and knowledge on the importance of preserving the Green Belt.
• To mainstream the EbA approach into local and national legislation, the project coordinated with the Municipality of Ouagadougou, the Ministry of the Environment, and mayors of other Burkinabe and Sahelian cities.

Addressing these three components, the project helped to improve local communities’ socioeconomic status, wellbeing, and resilience to climate change.

Project Achievements

1. Strengthened the Evidence Base for EbA Integration in the Green Belt:

Studies were conducted on three sites covering 15 hectares, highlighting the added value of EbA approach and the level of vulnerability of the population to climatic hazards. These documents are available on an open-sourced database containing documents, researches and pertinent information related to the Green Belt enhancing local adaptation initiatives, practices, and studies to guide green areas management in urban contexts.

A practical guide identifying EbA-compatible agroecological practices, suitable plant species and low-cost technologies was developed and validated through a multi-stakeholder process.

2. Increased Community Engagement and Awareness:

Under the project, 200 farmers (74% women) were trained on EbA  agricultural practices. Additionally, 12 schools have included ACRA’s environmental program with specific units on climate change, reaching 1013 students (57% girls).

To translate technical knowledge into behavioural change and social mobilisation, the project organized seven activities to promote the EbA approach. This includes holding four ground-cleaning days with the municipality and four schools, constructing compost pits, installing trashcans and conducting awareness activities on plastic recycling, and implementing a training for farmers on irrigation techniques and seed conservation and treatment.

In February 2024, the awareness campaign “La ceinture verte de Ouagadougou, renforcons notre bouclier contre le changement climatique!” (The Green Belt of Ouagadougou: Let’s Strengthen Our Shield Against Climate Change!) was held with the aim of raising awareness about the role of the Green Belt, the effects of climate change, and the EbA approach among the population in districts 3, 4, and 5 in the city of Ouagadougou. Through five radio broadcasts on the EbA approach, local species and their ecosystem services, three theatre performances on the role of the Green Belt, a day of practical demonstrations on environmentally friendly techniques, and participation in the Festival for the Promotion of Agroecology organized with the Action TerrAE network and the municipality, an estimated 36% of the population of Ouagadougou has been reached by the campaign.

3. Created Policy Tools for Mainstreaming EbA:

The project produced tools to embed the EbA approach into urban planning and policy frameworks, including the  guidelines for integrating EbA into local legislation. Moreover, 32 municipal officers (8% women) were trained on the integration of EbA in local legislation.

Project Status

Completed – 28 February 2025