Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso means the "Land of People of Integrity." Despite the unwavering dignity and hard work of Burkinabé and the growing economy, this country remains one of the poorest in the world.

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in the heart of the Sahel, just south of the encroaching Sahara Desert. Prolonged drought has led to widespread food shortages, which, coupled with limited access to health care and education, make it difficult for most Burkinabé to meet even the most basic of needs.

Catholic Relief Services has worked in Burkina Faso since 1960, linking farmers to markets, increasing knowledge of improved farming techniques and seed varieties, and giving girls incentives to attend school.

To address the food shortages in Burkina Faso, CRS works with local partners and international organizations in the areas of education, agriculture, microfinance, HIV and AIDS, peace and justice, and emergency preparedness and response. Each program builds on the skills and knowledge of communities to find effective, local solutions.

The CRS office is located in the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou. CRS Burkina Faso has development projects in 33 of 45 provinces, reaching 319,758 Burkinabé in 2007. Debra Shomberg has been the country representative since August 2007.