Burkina Faso Response - OCHA - 2019

October 2019 – Over the course of 2019 there has been increased insecurity in the northern and eastern regions of Burkina Faso including attacks against civilians. This insecurity has contributed to significant population displacements with almost 290 000 people fleeing their homes and finding refuge in neighboring communities as of September 2019. These rapid population displacements caused severe loss of livelihoods stress on host communities’ existing resources and food insecurity. More than 1.5 million Burkinabés are now in need of humanitarian assistance with over 1.2 million food insecure people and close to 600 000 in need of nutrition assistance. In addition to the food and nutrition needs which more than quadrupled over the course of 2019 specific needs for shelter and household goods water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) protection and health services also more than doubled especially for displaced and host communities. With GAC’s support this project aims to provide funding to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to bring together humanitarian actors and Burkina Faso’s authorities in order to ensure a coherent response to the ongoing crisis. Project activities include: (1) advocating for multi-sectorial coordination for humanitarian response; (2) supporting operation readiness and preparedness in neighbouring countries; and (3) strengthening the emergency telecommunications system.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) strengthened humanitarian leadership and coordination systems; (2) enhanced monitoring and reporting on humanitarian situations; (3) enhanced advocacy on behalf of affected populations; (4) strengthened assessment and prioritization of humanitarian needs and strategic planning; (5) improved emergency preparedness; and (6) increased funding for humanitarian assistance. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.