Context

Burkina Faso is characterised by multidimensional fragility, to which the steady deterioration of the security situation has contributed since 2016. A non-discriminatory access to basic services and the appropriate involvement of citizens and non-state actors (civil society, associations, private sector) in local decision-making processes and accountability can currently not be guaranteed by central and local key actors. Due to inadequate basic services delivery (among others in the water, health and education sector) and limited opportunities for citizens to participate in decision-making processes to shape local development, the population’s trust in the state and its administration is dwindling.

Intensifying conflicts (e.g. over resources) cannot be adequately dealt with by the state, and non-state armed groups are recruited among disillusioned, mainly young people. Extremism and violent conflicts lead to an increasing erosion of social cohesion between population groups. The framework of decentralisation, supported by GIZ since 2005, has been adapted to this context as it is acknowledged that the support of local actors is key to peaceful development and social cohesion.

Project description

The objective of the programme is to improve demand-oriented municipal services relevant to social cohesion.

The project is organised via 4 outputs which are:

• National and local actors have improved capacities to strengthen social cohesion: the staff of the Ministry of Decentralisation MATDC and its decentralised services will be empowered to take into account the concerns of disadvantaged persons and population groups in particular when designing measures that are implemented within the framework of the National Action Plan for Prevention and Strengthening of Social Cohesion.
• Instruments of local democracy are strengthened with special attention to the needs of disadvantaged people and population groups: municipalities and especially children and young people are supported to jointly design micro-projects for local development, including approaches that have a preventive effect and, in particular, make vulnerable children and young people resilient to recruitment attempts by extremist groups. Municipalities receive expert advice on how to integrate the needs of children and young people into their municipal planning.
• The capacities of local actors to provide equal and non-discriminatory access for all groups of people and populations to selected basic services and municipal infrastructures are strengthened: municipal employees are trained and sensitised in order to design basic municipal services and infrastructures in an inclusive manner and to contribute to a non-violent and constructive resolution of conflicts.
• The collection of municipal revenues is improved in terms of transparency, efficiency and taxpayer orientation: municipalities, the devolved services of the Ministry of Finance, private sector actors and civil society representatives are supported in developing and agreeing on revenue collection plans within the framework of the municipal budget committee meetings. Pilot measures to introduce a digital payment method for municipal taxes and duties will be introduced in 5 partner municipalities in cooperation with the MATDC and the Directorate General of Taxes.