Burkina Faso is facing one of the world’s most neglected humanitarian crises. For five years, ShelterBox has been working alongside our partner HELP Burkina Faso to support families displaced by conflict and climate change.
As we mark this milestone, we reflect on the impact of our work, the resilience of the communities we serve, and the urgent need for continued support.
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Why Burkina Faso needs attention
In 2024, the Norwegian Refugee Council named Burkina Faso the world’s most neglected crisis for the second consecutive year. Over 2 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to extremist violence, with all 13 regions of the country affected. But conflict is only part of the story.
Burkina Faso sits in the Sahel, one of the most climate-affected regions on Earth. Rising temperatures, droughts, and desertification are making it harder for farmers and herders to survive. As resources dwindle, tensions rise, and displacement increases. Families often face multiple displacements, escaping violence only to be hit again by floods, droughts, or strong winds.
learn moreShelterBox’s response: from emergency aid to long-term shelter
Since 2020, ShelterBox has worked with HELP Burkina Faso to support tens of thousands of displaced people. Our journey began with emergency aid – tarpaulins, kitchen sets, sleeping mats, blankets, soap, and buckets – to help families improve makeshift shelters.
As displacement became long-term, we introduced Sahelian tents, locally made and designed to last 18 months. These tents offer more durable shelter and privacy, helping families rebuild their lives with dignity.
We’ve adapted our approach over time:
- Concrete bases have been added to tents to protect against flooding and improve hygiene.
- Shade netting piloted to reduce heat and UV exposure, improving comfort and extending shelter lifespan.
- Employing people locally allows community members to earn income by helping build shelters.
From sleeping under the stars to shelter and dignity
Mamounata, 62, fled her village after armed groups attacked, tragically losing four of her children. Her journey to safety was harrowing – walking barefoot, begging for food, and struggling to pay rent.
Today, thanks to ShelterBox and HELP, Mamounata lives in a Sahelian tent with her family. She received shelter, cooking utensils, blankets, mats, mosquito nets, and more. “People no longer see us sleeping under the stars,” she says. “We are no longer harassed for non-payment of rent. We have our own kitchen utensils. Blankets and mats protect our children from the cold.”
Her hope now is for financial independence: “We want help to set up a business so we can pay for porridge for the children. This income-generating activity will guarantee us a better tomorrow.”
Looking ahead: project 7 and beyond
We’re currently awaiting approval for our seventh project with HELP Burkina Faso, focused on emergency and transitional shelter in the Centre-Nord and Nord regions – areas with high numbers of internally displaced people.
Designing this project has been complex due to constraints on certain items, but we remain committed to innovation and community-led solutions. Our goal is to support thousands more people with durable, dignified shelter that meets their evolving needs.
Our work in Burkina Faso
Join us in supporting Burkina Faso
ShelterBox’s work in Burkina Faso is far from over.
As conflict and climate change continue to displace families, the need for shelter, safety, and hope grows stronger.
You can help. Share Mamounata’s story. Donate to support our work. Advocate for forgotten crises.
Together, we can ensure that no one is left sleeping under the stars.
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