Launching two transformational projects in Burkina Faso

This week marked an important milestone for the Foundation’s projects in Burkina Faso, as we proudly launched another two transformative projects, each one a testament to the resilience, innovation and potential of local women.

Improving livelihoods through shea agro-processing in Samogohiri

On 24th March, we inaugurated our shea initiative in Samogohiri, within the Kénédougou Province, bringing together 150 women on a journey from laborious manual processing to efficient mechanised production of shea butter, which is referred to as women’s gold in Burkina Faso. 

What once required long and physically demanding hours is now accomplished with remarkable efficiency, freeing up time, increasing output and significantly improving the quality of the butter, whilst fundamentally supporting the welfare of the women.

As highlighted by expert trainer Tamboura Aissatou, the impact is striking:

"With the new processing facility constructed with the support of Shared Interest Foundation, the women can process up to 3,200 kg of shea nuts per day, yielding 1,310 metric tons of butter per day as compared to just 400 kg processed manually with an output of only 35kg of butter."

For Salimata Barro, Chairperson of COPRONOS’ women group, this initiative represents a “source of hope and dignity for the women of Samogohiri.”

Beyond production, the project has addressed one of the community’s most pressing challenges: access to water. A solar-powered borehole now serves both the processing centre and the wider community. 

As Toro Salifou explained, 

"Producing 100kg of shea butter requires approximately 300 litres of water, and to access it, women previously walked 6 km round-trip. Today, that burden has been lifted, allowing them to channel their energy into growing their enterprise."

The significance of this intervention was echoed by the Mayor of Samogohiri, Pascal Bouda, who described the borehole as “a great relief for the entire community,” noting the steady stream of residents who now rely on it daily. 

Mayour Bouda noted that in a community of over 10,000 inhabitants, there is only one borehole to provide water to the population, and this borehole is operated manually, which is time-consuming and requires the community members to spend long hours to fetch water, underscoring the importance of the borehole established through this Shared Interest Foundation project.

The launch itself was a vibrant celebration, filled with music, dance and heartfelt joy. In a deeply humbling moment, Kodzo was bestowed the traditional name, “Traoré Modjinbè”, a tribute to generosity and humanitarian spirit.

Soilless Vegetable Farming in Bobo-Dioulasso 

The momentum continued on 25th March in Bobo-Dioulasso, where we launched our second project, an inspiring initiative supporting 100 women with disabilities to expand their soilless farming enterprise. 

The event brought together stakeholders from various Government departments, led by the Deputy Mayor of Bobo Dioulasso, Moussa Sanou. 

Their message was clear: this pioneering approach is redefining what is possible for urban agriculture in the region.

Through the construction of three new greenhouses, equipped with drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, the women are now able to diversify crops, scale production and strengthen their economic resilience. The transformation is profound. 

As the Chairperson of the Association Fraternité des Personnes Handicapées Physiques de Bobo, expressed:

“Thanks to Shared Interest Foundation, today we walk with pride. We are no longer dependent on others for our daily survival, we are entrepreneurs. We have proven that disability is not inability.”

Economically, the impact is equally profound. According to Toro Salifou, the Project Coordinator, the initiative is projected to increase the group’s annual income from XOF 3,000,000 (£4,000) to XOF 13,000,000 (£17,000), which marks a significant step towards financial resilience and improved livelihoods for the project participants.

The celebrations concluded on a moving note, with a musical performance by a member of the disability community, an expression of gratitude, pride and renewed hope. It was more than a closing act; it was a powerful reminder of what these projects truly represent: dignity restored, opportunities unlocked and futures reimagined.

Support our work 

We look forward to reporting on progress and funded projects in due course.

We hope you enjoyed reading this project update from Shared Interest Foundation.

Since 2004, thanks to our incredible supporters, the Foundation has delivered 51 projects in 15 countries, reaching over 13,000 farmers and artisans. Support Shared Interest Foundation’s work today and help to build a fairer world.

If you have any questions about these projects, please feel free to speak with a member of the Foundation team via email here.