In May 2020, the ECHO West Africa team was able to resume trainings in Burkina Faso, quickly launching five trainings within the month of May alone. With partners, CAMA Services and ACCEDES, we provided a much-needed joint training to a group of Internally Displaced Peoples in the Western region of Burkina Faso.

Regular militant attacks continue to spread violence throughout West Africa. Last year alone, more than 700,000 people were displaced due to the attacks, according to the United Nations.

Militants have targeted mostly the northern areas of the country, causing residents to flee to neighboring regions. This has caused people to leave their homes, possessions, and the land of their livelihoods. The desperation has intensified due to the seasonal hot weather, challenges due to the coronavirus, and the waning food supply already common this time of year. The arrival of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) to new locations impacts food and water supplies, and access to basic health services. The additional burden on already limited food stores is creating challenging situations for both IDPs and host families, leaving many vulnerable.

ECHO’s training focused on Disaster Management, Nutrition, and Small-Scale Agriculture, equipping families to provide for their own nutritional needs in a completely different context and with fewer resources while they are displaced.

The ECHO West Africa team recently received a commendation from the Burkina Faso government for their work in meeting needs during this national crisis. ECHO was honored and received the thanks of the government for their “contribution in the care of all these populations in distress.”