IFBWW Interview...2005
Forestry in Burkina Faso: Our affiliate FNTCS contributes to sustainable development
Rosine Soubeiga Ouedraogo, General Secretary of FNTCS in Burkina Faso
1. How would you describe the forestry situation in Burkina Faso ?
There has been a rapid depletion of forest cover, degradation of soil fertility, depletion of water sources, loss of livestock due to the over-use of the forest for wood supply. The heavy use of wood has contributed to destabilizing soils. Forests provide food, medicine and firewood. Forests are crucial for the economy, the ecology and tourism. At the same time, forestry can reduce unemployment and poverty. Therefore, we need to do massive tree planting to protect our environment.
2. Why did you choose this type of project ?
Since October 2004, our project targeted the women workers in the informal sector as a priority. Since women were usually left behind in the country's culture, this project gave special preference to women, deliberately aimed at empowering and enabling the women to seat at the table with a more prominent voice. In learning to do the proper sustainable strategies on planting and growing trees, the women increased their potential for generating household income.
3. How many people are involved ? Why is your project including women ?
At the beginning it included 33 workers and 3 villages. But these workers were able to train other workers from other villages. We have decided to involve women as they represent 52 per cent of the population and occupy a very important role in the management of natural resources.
4. Why have you chosen the Moringa tree ?
The tree was chosen because we can grow it fast - around 4 to 7 meters high - easily in the type of soil and climate in Burkina and it not only helps solve the water security and desertification but it can also help the Burkinabe's health, food supply and income. The tree is edible, tasty and highly nutritious in all its parts, with leaves, leaf powder, pods, seeds, flowers, roots and bark offering a complement of protein, calcium, minerals, iron and several important vitamins.
5. Did the project reach its objectives ?
Yes, women are more informed. They are also trained to deal with the production they have to sell. Our project succeeded in reducing poverty by setting up activities generating income in connection with the environment. In the long run, the project will reduce unemployment and poverty at local level thus improving their living conditions.
6. What are the lessons you would like to share with your brothers and sisters worldwide?
I really recommend this type of project in the subregion. Awareness and change of attitude on the forest and the environment is a process that takes time. It is through the exchange of information, ideas and experiences with rural communities that women give a human and sustainable face to our environment severely hit by desertification. If we wish to achieve sustainable development, workers from our sector need to promote socio-economic development without delay. FNTCS members have put all their energy and know-how at the service of their environment. Therefore, I encourage affiliates to start right now, because the future of our world is in your hands. This will also give us the opportunity of increasing our membership and strengthen our unions. Fighting for the forest is fighting for the workers' interest.
