Thousands of Migrants Leave Ivory Coast and Return Home to Burkina Faso
Posted by: WEBMaster on April 19, 2007 12:26:18 PMIn 2003 the Government of Burkina Faso repatriated 140,000 people out of a total of 3 millions Burkina bes who migrated to Ivory Coast for a better economic and social well-being. In a country that experience irregular rainfall and food deficiency, most rural dwellers migrate to the cities or neighboring countries in search of better living conditions. However, the political crisis in Ivory Coast led to massive repatriation of the people, a majority of whom are women and children.
In the province of Kadiogo, ACORD initiated a project to facilitate quick social and economic rehabilitation of the returnees. The project aimed at helping the majority of the repatriated population to initiate and develop income generating activities such as horticulture and small businesses within the existing production and business system.
The project followed three main strategies:
- Access to means of production both material and micro-credit;
- Technical training; and
- Support for integration in social and professional organizations.
The population was organized in groups from various administrative departments, bringing the total groups to 30. Through the group structures, the repatriated people gained a sound capital base without straining the local population.
The repatriation process in Burkina Faso caused various reactions from the government and development partners. It could pose remarkable set backs to the economic advancement of the Sahel country whose dominant economic activity is rural based.
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