The Alliance Church in Burkina Faso: Faith in Action

As part of the AWF Global Response to COVID-19 program, the team in Burkina Faso continues to provide income-generating activities, farmer training, and sanitation facilities for families, helping them protect themselves and thrive.

Burkina Faso struggles with the ongoing HIV/AIDS pandemic and the COVID-19 crisis. The Christian Alliance Church Development Office (ACCEDES) in Burkina Faso has partnered with AWF to continue supporting people against the effects of this dual pandemic.

In a village located about 20 kilometers from the economic capital, one church shines as a model of faith in action. Pastor Sanou Daniel leads his congregation in the battle against these pandemics; he coordinates a host of projects that strengthen the response to COVID-19.

“I am happy that we no longer produce market gardening products that could have harmful effects on the health of others, because we no longer use chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Thanks to the knowledge I have acquired, our tomato production is up and our market garden is expanding,” Pastor Sanou rejoiced.

After receiving formal training on the making of compost and of liquid fertilizer, Pastor Sanou started to work. With his family’s help, he made the products and distributed them, improving the yields of area farmers.

Mrs. Hema, one of the beneficiaries, smiled widely as she thanked the church. “The help I received allowed me to buy three sows and a boar,” she said. “As of today, I have nine pigs and I’m happy to see my farm developing at a satisfactory rate. I plan to sell some heads at the end of the year, which will allow me to make a good turnover that I can reinvest in my activity. I would like to thank you because it is thanks to you that my business has come back to life.”

On a farm, we met Pare Désiré, who is 53 years old, married, and has 12 children. In the beginning, he told us, he was “very happy that you are here today because you will be able to see with me the changes that have taken place here. This field that you see,” he said, “is the result of your teaching. I have been farming this field for several years, but it has never looked like this. The training I received in making compost and liquid fertilizer, as well as seed support, are the secrets of this improvement.” Mr. Pare continued: “I put into practice what I learned and you see the result. My work is done and I look forward to the harvest. Last year, I was able to obtain about 40 kg of grain from this field, but this year I expect to double the harvest.”

Later, Mr. Pare reported that his harvest was 200 kg of corn from the 0.25-hectare field! This fourfold improvement came despite an extended drought experienced by the village.

The stories of God’s work in Burkina Faso during the last year continue. People who received loans have generated income for their families. Households have experienced a reduction in cases of diseases due to improved sanitation. This project has strengthened and empowered the people despite the two pandemics.

The relationships among the community and the church cannot be understated. Christians have felt encouraged and supported through this project. It has been a successful venture!

Let us praise God and continue praying for the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Burkina Faso as they reach out to their community and implement faith in action programs!