Rice production and processing

About the Cause

Posted by BF0613 in Burkina Faso on 02/24/2026

Around thirty women, mostly mothers, gathered around a weekly savings group held at the church to improve their living conditions. This space quickly became a place of solidarity and reflection, where food insecurity, the high price of rice, irregular income, and their consequences on children's health and education were recurring topics of discussion. Aware that their dependence on markets was weakening their families, the women decided to produce their own rice by mobilizing their savings, their labor, and available land. Despite a difficult start and limited resources, the first harvest marked a turning point: families consumed locally grown rice, a symbol of dignity and self-reliance. Gradually, production reduced food expenses and generated income for health, education, and basic needs. Children's nutrition improved, their school attendance became more regular, and young people became involved, seeing a local economic opportunity. This experience revealed the central role of women in food security and community development. It is the origin of our Cause, which aims to sustainably strengthen local rice production, create stable incomes for women and young people, improve the situation of children and build a more resilient and self-reliant community.