Building Climate Resilience in Burkina Faso Through Sustainable Land Restoration and Climate-Smart Agriculture

In the heart of the Sahel, Burkina Faso faces a growing crisis of land degradation, now affecting 46% of its arable land. Driven by climate change, erosion and unsustainable human activity, this challenge significantly threatens agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of the approximately 80% of Burkinabè who depend on farming. Combined with escalating conflict and food insecurity, it has fuelled one of the highest rates of human displacement in the world. 

In response to this ecological and socioeconomic crisis, Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Finance, supported by the NDC Partnership, is spearheading and coordinating a land restoration initiative to rehabilitate over 100,000 square kilometers of degraded land — nearly 37% of the country's total area. By targeting the northern regions most affected, the effort is set to directly benefit more than 26,000 households and indirectly support over 630,000 people. 

Enhancing Soil Health, Food Security and Nutrition Access 

Burkina Faso aims to improve food and nutritional security while boosting carbon sequestration through sustainable intensification of agro-sylvo-pastoral practices, integrating agriculture, forestry and livestock management to enhance productivity and restore ecosystems. 

A key priority is ensuring women and young people gain access to agricultural land and employment opportunities, promoting inclusive economic growth. The project will also establish processing units and marketing infrastructure, creating essential employment for vulnerable populations. 

The initiative aligns closely with Burkina Faso’s National Soil Restoration, Conservation and Recovery Strategy (SNRCRS) and its National Economic and Social Development Plan. By integrating climate adaptation and agroecological principles, the project builds on existing efforts to strengthen food and nutritional security and climate resilience through: 

• Land recovery and infrastructure development: Implementing anti-erosion measures, rehabilitating micro-dams and constructing water management systems. 

• Improvement of agricultural productivity: Providing access to improved agricultural inputs, equipment, rural finance and supporting animal husbandry and agro-pastoral value chains. 

• Cashew orchard establishment: Promoting high-yield cashew production to foster commercial agriculture. 

• Institutional strengthening and capacity building: Providing training, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and facilitating land registration processes. 

• Project coordination and institutional support: Ensuring effective management and collaboration among stakeholders. 

Financing, Incentives and Cost-Benefit Value 

The total project cost is estimated at USD 35.6 million. While the initiative primarily targets low-income groups, it also creates significant opportunities for private sector participation, particularly in infrastructure development and the provision of agricultural equipment. Microfinance institutions are expected to play a key role in enabling small-scale farmers to access credit, ensuring their active participation and benefits from the project. 

A detailed report by the Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre, under the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), provides an in-depth analysis of the initiative’s social, economic and environmental impacts.  

Developed in collaboration with the Government of Burkina Faso and the NDC Partnership, the report evaluates the financial and investment potential of the project. Using spatial analysis, climate data, modelling and financial tools, the study compares nature-based infrastructure (NBI) interventions with conventional infrastructure alternatives through an integrated cost-benefit analysis, identifying which approach delivers greater overall value. 

The findings reveal that NBI and hybrid interventions significantly outperform grey infrastructure, delivering additional socioeconomic benefits. For every USD 1 invested, NBI interventions could generate USD 14.8 in benefits. The report highlights the potential for scaling this approach across Burkina Faso and beyond to combat droughts, desertification and rural livelihood challenges effectively. 

The report was prepared in response to a Project Information Note (PIN) on sustainable production for food and nutrition security, developed by the Government of Burkina Faso with support from the NDC Partnership.  

The Project Information Note (PIN) Initiative