Location Info
Located in the heart of West Africa, Burkina Faso is a Sahelian country that extends over an area of approximately 274,000 square kilometers. The population of Burkina Faso is 16.4 million people according to the World Bank. 90% of the population is estimated to live in rural areas. According to a 2011 report released by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Burkina Faso is ranked 181 out of 187 countries. 50% of the population lives in extreme poverty on less then a dollar a day.
Teams on the Ground
Quick Bio: Robert has managed relief , education, health, micro-finance, food security and clean water projects in the West African nation of Burkina Faso for over 20 years. Robert grew up in the village of Kouha in the western part of Burkina Faso. Mr. Sanou’s undergraduate degree was in law but has master’s degrees in micro-finance and community development and is finishing up his doctorate in organizational leadership. Robert is a French and English-speaking Burkinabé who has served on Boards of regional organizations, consulted for European and U.S. entities, and traveled widely throughout the Region and the world.
Focus
- Sustainable Agriculture / Clean Water
- Education
- Medical
Anchor Projects/Programs
Problem: Clean Water
Solution: Bore hole wells and general population education on the necessity of clean water
Problem: Low access to basic medical care
Solution: Womens and childrens hospital with mobile clinic and rural clinics
Problem: Lack of skilled labor
Solution: Vocational / Technical school
Problem: Famine
Solution: Develop animal husbandry programs and organic farming with new technology and techniques to mitigate the problems that arise from the frequent natural disasters and droughts.