In Ivory Coast, an ongoing initiative is providing agricultural training to Burkinabe refugees, who have fled insecurity in their home country. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that approximately 80,000 Burkinabe refugees reside in northern Ivory Coast, many of whom are receiving support from local villagers. The program, facilitated by the NGO Living Soils and funded by the World Food Programme and the European Union, focuses on teaching agroecological practices to help these refugees gain skills and improve their livelihood.

One of the participants, 19-year-old Diénaba Tall, has been living with an Ivorian family since fleeing Burkina Faso four years ago. Previously, she had been working various odd jobs in restaurants, struggling to make ends meet. The training program has opened new doors for her, as she learns about poultry farming and sustainable agricultural practices. For instance, she explains how to feed chickens with larvae, showcasing the innovative techniques they are learning.

This agricultural training not only aims to empower the refugees but also seeks to foster their integration into the local economy. By equipping them with valuable skills in agroecology, the initiative could play a crucial role in enhancing food security and resilience for the refugee population, ultimately benefiting the broader community in Brondougou and surrounding areas. As their capabilities grow, these refugees may better contribute to local agricultural productivity and resilience, creating a mutually beneficial relationship between them and their host communities.