GFA AWARDED IRRIGATION PROJECT PIGO PLUS IN BURKINA FASO
GFA, in cooperation with SHER and DEC Ltd., has been awarded the contract for the implementation of the KfW-funded irrigation project PIGO plus from 2024 to 2029.
The project’s objective is to establish a basis for sustainable agriculture in selected catchment areas in the west of Burkina Faso to improve food security and create income opportunities for the local population. The project has an investment budget of EUR 24.5 million and comprises three components:
- Construction of irrigation infrastructure
- Accompanying measures
- Monitoring & evaluation
The infrastructure component mainly includes the construction of small contour dams for rice cultivation in the lowlands and the construction of wells and irrigation basins for garden vegetable cultivation. Related activities will incorporate measures for water and soil conservation and soil protection. Moreover, infrastructure for the supply of inputs, storage of agricultural produce, access to markets and processing centers will be established.
With regard to the accompanying measures, GFA experts will pay particular attention to the management and maintenance of the infrastructure and to good agricultural practices – important aspects for the sustainability and success of the project. Modular trainings will be provided to the beneficiaries using a "training of the trainers" approach through service providers and NGOs supporting lead farmers who further disseminate best practices. The GFA team will consider all aspects of land management to avoid social conflicts in connection with the project. To this end, the team follows the "do no harm" approach. Famers will also receive intensive support in accessing loans to ensure sustainable farming. In addition, farming households will be enabled to process and market parts of their rice harvest.
As the intervention zone is located in a politically unstable environment, GFA will use a remote management and M&E system for the implementation of all activities, which will form the basis for an integrative approach that combines security aspects and participatory project measures.