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

The project aims at restoring and rehabilitating three sites located in the Green Belt, which has been severely impacted by Climate Change and a fast urbanisation leading to the degradation of its ecosystem.

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 will be promoted through a three-pillared strategy linking research, awareness-raising activities, and policymaking.

In order to promote best practices for a more effective climate change mitigation strategy, the research component will analyse the Green Belt ecosystem and its potential.

Awareness activities and trainings addressed to primary schools, targeted farmers, and associations active in the area, will play a fundamental role in promoting the understanding and knowledge on the importance of preserving the Green Belt.

In order to mainstream the EbA approach into local and national legislation, the project will intervene at policy level involving the Municipality of Ouagadougou, the Ministry of the Environment, and mayors of other Burkinabe and Sahelian cities. Addressing these three components, the intervention strategy aims to improve socioeconomic status, wellbeing and local communities’ resilience to Climate Change.

Project Status

Three sites of 15 hectare have been covered by studies 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 https://ceinture-verte.mairie-ouaga.gov.bf/.

A practical guide with identification of the most beneficial actions, plant species, technologies and EbA approach practices has been finalized and promoted with local authorities and the population. 200 farmers (74% women) on the Green Belt have been trained on EbA environmental friendly agricultural practices.

12 schools have included ACRA’s environmental program with specific units on climate change and 1013 students (57% girls) have participated to environmental education programs.

7 actions have been implemented on the green belt in order to promote EbA approach including 4 ground-cleaning days with the municipality and 4 schools, construction of compost pits, trashcans installation and awareness activities on plastic recycling, farmers training of irrigation techniques and seeds 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 around districts 3, 4, and 5 in the city of Ouagadougou. Through 5 radio broadcasts on the EbA approach, local species and their ecosystem services, 3 theatre performances on the role of the greenbelt, 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, we estimate that 36% of the population of Ouagadougou has been reached by the campaign.

The Guidelines for the integration of EbA approach in the local legislation have been developed and 32 officers (8% women) have been trained on the integration of EbA approach in local legislations.