Solar agro-processing center for women farmers

FRES and Yeelen Ba received funding from UNCDF to create a solar powered multifunctional platform in the village of Koukoualé near Bobo-Dioulasso in the Cascades region of Burkina Faso.

On 17 and 18 March 2020 the project team of Agriterra, FRES and Yeelen Ba visited Kouakoualé to discuss the design of the platform with 23 women groups from the village. Also woen groups from neighboring villlages Missidougou and Sounougoudjan attended the meeting as they are interested to use the services of the platform as well.

The women are active in the production of shea butter but also cotton, rice, maize and millet. The need for water for irrigations as well as processing equipment for rice, maize and shea were highlighted by the women.

The input will be used to develop a proof-of-concept for the platform that will be further discussed and finalized with the women in additional workshops in spring and summer of 2021. The platform is set to be operational before the shea season in September 2022.