Burkina Faso

From Eco Friendly Travels


Home / Africa / West Africa / Burkina Faso

Eco-friendly travel guide to Burkina Faso advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Burkina Faso, Africa.

A view of Ouagadougou- the capital of Burkina Faso


  • Air quality: 3.3 / 5
  • Bus connections: 2.8 / 5
  • Train connections: 3.0 / 5
  • Hitchhiking: 3.9 / 5
  • National parks: 4.2 / 5
  • Outdoor activities: 3.7 / 5
  • Locals' English level: 3.9 / 5
  • Safety: 3.2 / 5
  • Accommodation: US$30 - $145
  • Budget per day: US$45 - $180

Responsible Travel

Burkina Faso is located in West Africa. The capital of this country is Ouagadougou. It is among the poorest countries in the world thus we are advised to adhere to the highest standards of responsibility when we travel in this country. We can do this by reducing wastage of tap water, embracing the use of public transport more often, contributing to the local economy, and supporting various volunteering programs being conducted in the country.


Air Quality and Pollution

Waste usually emits a foul smell to the atmosphere thus reducing its quality. There are no adequate resources or policies to control the accumulation of waste here in the country. This in turn negatively affects the air quality especially in areas close to dumping sites. In terms of pollution, other solid wastes, mostly generated from local markets here are usually dumped in the soil and some into the rivers thus tampering with the ecosystems of these environments.


Respect the Culture

The culture of Burkina Faso is usually known as the Burkinabé culture. The two main aspects that make up the culture here in Burkina Faso are indigenous masks and dancing. These masks were crafted to be used in rites of offering sacrifice to the ancestors and spirits in the village. Native dances were performed as rites requesting blessings from the spirits. In terms of literature, oral tradition has taken the forefront in the country. Ti has continued to influence other local writers with the most notable writers in Burkina Faso being Roger Nikiema and Nazi Boni. During the 1960s, write-ups began being published.


Top 10 Places to Visit

  • Cascades de Karfiguéla: Is also referred to as the Karfiguela Falls, Tagbaladougou Falls, Banfora Falls, or Banfora Cascades. It comprises several waterfalls along the Komoé River in Burkina Faso. It is considered as one of the crucial attraction sites in Burkina Faso and is situated approximately 12 kilometers from Banfora. The surrounding region acquired its name from the waterfalls. Water level usually rises very high here during the rainy season which is usually between June to September.
  • Grande Mosquée de Ouagadougou: This Mosque is located in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. It is a spiritual place where worshippers get to be taught many values and morals with peace usually being one of the main teachings. It has the capacity to accommodate many worshippers. The entrance is fitted with a wheelchair ramp. You can get in touch with the management here using this number, +226 56 17 43 42.
  • Sculptures de Laongo. The granite sculptures found here gives this place its name. It is situated approximately 30 kilometers from Ouagadougou city. It is a peaceful and serene environment where you get a chance to relax and enjoy the environment. Prices are 2,500 for foreigners, 1,000 for adults, and 500 for pupils and students.
  • Ouagadougou Cathedral. Is also referred to as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Ouagadougou. This parish is an affiliate of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ouagadougou. It was constructed in 1934 by Apostle Joanny Thévenoud and was later commissioned in January in 1936. An altar of Ave Maria with a statue of the Virgin Mary was erected at the rear of the parish.
  • Domes de Fabedougou. The landscape here is usually amazing and very scenic. You will be able to enjoy the amazing rock formations here. You will be required to travel on a dusty road, which will take you around thirty minutes to reach here from the main road. You will be wowed with the surrounding landscapes of rice and sugarcane fields. Huge boulders complete the backdrop.
  • Bobo-Dioulasso Old Mosque. This Mosque in Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. It is considered to be one of the oldest mosques in the country.it was constructed at the end of the 19th century. The materials used to build this structure were wood and Shea butter mixed together.
  • Nazinga Game Ranch. Its construction was inspired by two Canadian brothers, Robert and Clark Lungren, who were raised in Burkina Faso. It was finally completed in 1979. The brothers acted upon the instinct to counter the adversities caused by cyclical drought on domestic animals together with effects caused by mismanagement of resources such as deforestation, soil fatigue, and overgrazing. Their aim was to create a resource program that will save both animals and people here from extinction. This place had been hit by heavy poaching and these brothers wanted to end it by creating conservation projects and also sensitizing the locals. They worked together with locals in constructing dams, test paddocks, and they also improved 600 kilometers of roads. They talked to local farmers out of the fields surrounding the ranch. All livestock were also moved from these fields. Several locals were also hired as game rangers to protect this ranch and its surroundings. Experts were also brought in to improve the ecosystem of this place. Native wild species were finally introduced at this ranch.
  • Lake Tengrela. This small lake is located in Banfora region in Burkina Faso. Many hippos can be found here. Legend has it that these hippos do not attack humans as they are believed to be sacred hippos. A few crocodiles are also found here but are rarely seen. This lake measures 2 kilometers in length and 1.5 kilometers in width.
  • Sindou peaks. Here, you will be able to enjoy the geological shapes brought about by the wind currents blowing through this place. It has giant rock boulders and is believed to have been the home for indigenous ancestors of this place. Many believe that it is a place of mystery. Several movies have been filmed here.
  • Église de Dapoya. This Church is located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The ushers usually ensure that cleanliness is observed here. People from the middle class in social class are common frequenters of this church. You can get in touch with the management here using this number, +226 55 50 20 98.
Cascades de Karfiguela


Explore

You can engage in many activities while you are here in Burkina Faso. You can visit some of the most beautiful sites here in Burkina Faso including Sculptures de Laongo, and make memories here. You can even visit the museums in the country to learn about the history of the country and its people. There are many restaurants here having a wide selection of delicacies which you can enjoy both local and international cuisines that are offered. You can later rest in the various hotels and guest houses in the country where you can enjoy the amazing hospitality this country has to offer.


City Parks

  • Parc Bangr Weogo: This park is located in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. It has beautiful walk paths with the tall trees giving amazing shade. It is a good place to relax and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. It is usually open from Monday to Saturday between 6 am to 6 pm while it is closed on Sundays. You can get in touch with the management here using this number, +226 76 63 93 11.
  • Faso Parc: This is an amusement park located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The amenities that you will get to enjoy here include a bar and a restaurant. All points of this park have been made to be wheelchair-accessible right from the car park to the entrance to the toilet block. It is usually open from Tuesday to Saturday between 7:30 am to 6 pm while it is closed on Mondays. You can get in touch with the management here using this number, +226 25 50 98 98.
Faso Parc


National Parks

  • Kaboré Tambi National Park: This park is located between Ouagadougou and the border point with Ghana. The Nazion River flows by this park. It was opened in 1976 and given the name Pô National Park. Its name was later changed to commemorate a park ranger who had been assassinated by poachers in 1991. Sudan savannah makes most of the vegetation here growing in the north and the south of this park. Guinea savanna can also be spotted in several sections in this park. This park is home to many bird species such as Violet Turaco, lavender Waxbill, Purple glossy starling, Senegal Parrot, Senegal Eremonela, Pied winged swallow, sun lark, Blue Blair roller, Blackcap Babbler, Chestnut-crowned sparrow, yellow-billed shrike, and bearded Barbet among others.
Kaboré Tambi National Park


Beaches

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country thus it has no beaches.


Landmarks

  • Ruins of Loropéni: It is a historic site in Loropéni town in Burkina Faso. It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2009. It is believed to be the first World Heritage site in the country. It covers a total area of 11,130 square meters. It includes stone walls making up an ancient fortress. The Lohron or Kulango people are believed to be the first occupants of this place. This place is believed to have flourished during the trans-Saharan gold trade, which reached its peak between the 14th and 17th centuries AD. It was later abandoned in the early 19th century.
  • Place des Cinéastes. This is a monument located in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso
Ruins of Loropéni


Museums

  • National Museum of Music: This museum is located in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. This structure was initially the headquarters for the Association for the Development of African Architecture and Urban Planning (ADAUA) but was later renovated to be a museum. It is conveniently located in the CBD with its architecture taking the Sudanese Sahelian style. Handicrafts and art pieces were first brought into the museum between September 1998 and March 1999. The artifacts kept here include membranophones, chordophones, aero phones, and idiophones dating back to between 5 to 200 years in age.
  • Musée de Manega: Is also referred to as Manega Museum. It is situated approximately 55 kilometers northwest of Ouagadougou. It was constructed by Frédéric Pacéré Titinga. It has close to 40 funeral pieces, bracelets, terracota jars, and tubes meant for rituals in the Niger Valley. These artifacts are believed to date back between the 2nd to the 11th century. Mossi rifles that are more than 200 years old are found here in this museum.
Inside the Musée de Manega


Eat

  • Le Verdoyant: This restaurant is located along Dimdolossom Avenue in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. You will get to enjoy the amazing ambiance created here. You will get to enjoy amazing views of the wood-fired oven. You will get to enjoy tasty delicacies here among them pizza. It is usually open from Thursday to Tuesday from 11 am to 10 pm while it is closed on Wednesdays. You can get in touch with the management here using this number, +226 25 31 54 07.
  • La Perle: This restaurant is located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. It is an amazing place to host events such as birthday parties. The staff here is very nice and helpful to clients. You will get a chance to choose from a wide variety of baked foods, pizza, and ice cream. Security has been beefed up here. It is usually open all through the week from 6 am to 1 am. You can get in touch with the management here using this number, +226 55 15 47 94.
  • Benoua lodge: This restaurant is located in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. You will get to enjoy amazing food here with the professionalism and friendliness of the staff here being a plus. The interior décor is quite amazing. It is usually open for 24 hours.


Drink

  • Bars de Hubert: This bar is usually best suited for those who prefer drinking in groups. There is an adequate seating area where you can get to relax and enjoy your drink. Beer is the only drink being offered here.
  • La Camionnette Bar Restaurant: This bar in Burkina Faso offers a wide variety of beers here where you can relax as an individual or as a group. It is usually open from Wednesday to Monday between 7 am to 12 am while it is closed on Tuesdays. You can get in touch with the management here using this number, +226 65 62 30 30.


Tap-water

Burkina Faso has inadequate resources to make the readily available faucet water directly safe for drinking. The available resources are being mismanaged. You are being advised to purchase bottled water from the shops at affordable prices. You can only drink tap water here if you have water purification tablets.


Activities

There are many activities that you can get to engage in while you are here in Burkina Faso. You can visit some of the most beautiful sites here in Burkina Faso including Sculptures de Laongo, and make memories here. You can even visit the museums in the country to learn about the history of the country and its people. There are many restaurants here having a wide selection of delicacies which you can enjoy both local and international cuisines that are offered. You can later rest in the various hotels and guest houses in the country where you can enjoy the amazing hospitality this country has to offer.


Accommodation

  • Le Grand Calao: Is situated in Tanganéro, Burkina Faso. Guests here will get the convenience of enjoying a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi on the complex. The rooms here are fitted with a TV, air conditioning, a patio, and a personal bathroom. You will be able to enjoy a 24-hour reception service. Ample parking is available here. The management here offers airport shuttle services.
  • Villa Rose: Is located in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property and guests here get to enjoy round the clock reception service. The rooms here are fairly spacious and are fitted with a personal bathroom. They are also fitted with air conditioners, a work desk, and a wardrobe. Some have a shared lounge area. You will be able to enjoy a continental breakfast here. The management here offers bike and car rental services.
  • Sougri Doogo - le jardin: Is located in Loumbila Here, guests will get to enjoy a restaurant, a bar, and a garden on-site. There is also an outdoor swimming pool where you can get to relax and enjoy swimming. The rooms here are fitted with a wardrobe and a personal bathroom. The reception desk service here is amazing and very reliable. Ample parking is available here at this property. Guests here will get to enjoy a complimentary Italian breakfast here. The management here also offers car rental services. Ouagadougou International Airport is 23 kilometers away from this property and guests here have the convenience of enjoying paid airport shuttle services.


Green Hotels

  • Sonia Hotel: Is located in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. Guests here get to enjoy a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and ample parking on-site. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the complex. You will be able to enjoy 24-hour reception services, room service, airport shuttle services, and currency exchange services. The rooms here are fitted with a work desk, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a wardrobe. Guests will be able to enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning. Points of interest close to this hotel include Fraternitee Cathedral, Niger High Commission, and Ouagadougou Airport which is located 1 kilometer from this hotel.
  • L'Hacienda. This hotel is located in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. Guests will get to enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, a spa, and free Wi-Fi throughout the complex. The rooms here are fitted with a work desk, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a personal bathroom. Guests will get to enjoy a continental breakfast here at this property. Ouagadougou Airport is located 1 kilometer from this hotel.
  • Hôtel L'Auberge. This hotel is located in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. There is a restaurant, a bar, a gym, and a garden on-site. The management here offers 24-hour reception services, room service, and airport transfers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout this complex. The rooms here are fitted with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, air conditioning, a work desk, and a personal bathroom. Bobo Dioulasso Airport is located 4 kilometers from the hotel.
  • Le ZaNaLi Hotel. Is situated in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. Guests here will get to enjoy a restaurant, a bar, a shared lounge, barbeque facilities, and ample parking on-site. You will get to enjoy round the clock reception services, room service, and airport transfers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the complex. The rooms here are fitted with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, air conditioning, and a kitchen. Points of interest located close to this property include the Burkina Faso National Museum which is located 2.3 kilometers from this property, the Ouagadougou Main Market which is located 9 kilometers away, and the Ouagadougou Airport which is located 4 kilometers away.


Hostels and Guest Houses

  • B & B Le Nomade: This guest house is located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Here, you will be able to enjoy scenic views of the property. There is a bar on-site where you can relax and enjoy your drink. Amenities that you will get to enjoy here include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an electric kettle in the rooms, free Wi-Fi, and ample parking. There is a shared lounge area where you can relax and have a good time with fellow guests. You will also be able to find a bike and car hire services here.
  • Villa De L'Integration: It is situated approximately 8 kilometers from the Ouagadougou Municipal stadium. Amenities that you will get to enjoy here include a swimming pool, a restaurant, a gym, and ample parking. You will also be able to enjoy scenic views of the surrounding garden. Services that you will be able to find here include 24-hour room service and currency exchange. Other amenities that you will get to enjoy here include a dining area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a lounge area, air conditioning, a kitchen, and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hot tub. You will be able to enjoy a continental breakfast on a daily basis here. You will also be able to enjoy spa and wellness facilities including an indoor pool and a hammam which guests can use while they stay here. Points of interest close to this guest house are Embassy South Africa, Embassy Maroc, and Embassy South Korea. You will be able to enjoy paid airport shuttle services here.
  • Villa Tenko: Is located in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. Guests here will get to enjoy a shared lounge, a bar, an indoor swimming pool, a business center, a shared kitchen, and a garden on-site. Guests here will have the convenience of getting round the clock reception service and entertainment by the staff. The rooms here are fairly large and are fitted with air conditioners and a personal bathroom. You will get to enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning while you are here. Children are catered for as there is a playground available here. Guests can engage in cycling tours that are usually arranged by the management. The management here also offers car hire services and also airport shuttle services. Points of interest close to this property include the National Museum of Music which is 5 kilometers while Ouagadougou International Airport which is 4 kilometers away.
  • Tenko Lodge: Is located in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. The rooms here are fairly large and come with one electric kettle each. The bar on-site is a plus. Guests here will get to enjoy a continental breakfast every day here. Points of interest close to this property include the 1.8 km from Burkina Faso National Museum which is 1.8 kilometers from this property, Stade du 4 Août which is 7 kilometers away, and the Ouagadougou International Airport which is 4 kilometers away.
  • Ashley's home: Is located in Ouagadougou. Guests here will get to enjoy a garden and a bar on-site. The rooms here are fitted with a balcony and a personal bathroom. They also have air conditioners and a wardrobe. A complimentary breakfast is always available here. Points of interest located close to this property include the Burkina Faso National Museum which is 3.8 kilometers away, the Ouagadougou Municipal Stadium which is 5 kilometers away, and Ouagadougou International Airport which is 5 kilometers away.


Apartments

  • Villa Yiri Suma: This apartment is located in Ouagadougou. At this apartment, you will be able to enjoy a free internet connection with ample parking being available here on site. You will be able to enjoy 24-hour reception services. The rooms here are fairly large and are fitted with a personal bathroom. Ouagadougou Airport is located about 2 kilometers from this property.
  • Maison d'hôtes Chez Giuliana: This apartment is located in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. Here, you will be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the entire property and take relaxing walks in the beautiful garden. The rooms here are fairly large and are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a personal bathroom. You will be able to enjoy a continental breakfast daily here at this apartment. Points of interest located near this apartment are the National Museum of Music and the Ouagadougou Airport which are located about 10 minutes away by car. The management usually provides shuttle services to guests here.
  • Villa Bobo: This beautiful apartment is located in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Amenities that you will get to enjoy here include free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and round the clock reception service. The rooms are fitted with air conditioners, a desk, a fridge, and a personal bathroom. Guests here will also be able to enjoy a complete Italian breakfast every day.
  • Residence AMAK: This apartment is located approximately 2.3 kilometers from the Stade du 4 Août in Burkina Faso. Guests will be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the complex, a shared lounge, and a kitchen area. Rooms here are fairly large and are fitted with a flat-screen TV, a dining area and a kitchen. Guests here will also be able to enjoy continental breakfast every morning. The management here offers car rental services. Points of interest located close to this apartment include the National Museum of Music which is located 4.4 kilometers away, Burkina Faso National Museum which is located 10 kilometers away, and the Ouagadougou Airport which is located 3.8 kilometers from this property.
  • Le Karite Bleu: This apartment is located in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. You will be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi, a bar, and a spa here at this property. The rooms here are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels with seating areas fitted in specific rooms. Guests will also be able to enjoy the free luggage storage area and a gift shop on-site. Ample parking is available with the management here offering bicycles to guests which they can use for cycling tours.
  • Residence Diane: This apartment is located in Ouagadougou. Guests will be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a beautiful garden on-site. The rooms here are fitted with a flat-screen TV, a seating area, and a private bathroom. You will be able to enjoy the clock reception services while you are at this apartment. Points of interest located close to this property include the Embassy Egypt which is located 2.5 kilometers away, the Embassy South Africa which is located 2.4 kilometers away, and the Embassy of Morocco which is located 2.5 kilometers away.


Couchsurfing

Many of the locals here are usually kind-hearted and are more than willing to welcome you into their homes when you visit the country. You may carry a small gift to give to the owner where you will be staying while you are in the country. There are many sites in the country which offer couch surfing services thus you can enroll in several of them where you can get to interact with potential hosts with ease.


Camping

  • Campement Le Kaicedra. This campsite is located at the end of the Deux-Balé national park. The management here is friendly and warmly welcomes their guests with a cheerful smile. You will be able to see the huts here that overlook the river below. You will also be able to see the sacred Caicedra where you will be served both breakfast and dinner. The bungalows here are fitted with two bedrooms and a well-equipped bathroom. You will be able to get in touch with the management here using this number, +226 76 62 65 40.


Regions

Burkina Faso regions map.png
Volta Delta
The country's population center, home to the mostly Christian Mossi and the national capital.
Black Volta Region
The lushest and most culturally diverse section of the country.
East Burkina Faso
Arid, mostly Muslim, and home to the country's most visited National Parks.
North Burkina Faso
Dominated by the Sahel, home to the Fulani and Tuareg populations of the country.


Cities

  • Ouagadougou, also known as Ouaga (pronounced "Wa-Gha"), is the capital city, located in the center of the country, in the area known as the Mossi Plateau.
  • Banfora
  • Bobo-Dioulasso — the country's second-largest city, located in the southwest.
  • Dédougou
  • Gaoua — hardly a pleasant town, Gaoua is near the Ruins of Loropéni, a UNESCO World Heritage list|UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Koudougou
  • Ouahigouya
  • Fada N'Gourma - gate to the National Parks of the southeast.


Getting There and Moving Around

Public transport is very challenging in Burkina Faso thus it is not easy to use public transport to move around the country. With most of the roads here having not been paved, this greatly disadvantages public transport in the country.


Air

Burkina Faso has a fair share of airports with the Ouagadougou Airport being the main biggest civilian airport in the country. There are a total of 23 airports in Burkina Faso but only 2 have paved runways. Air Burkina began its operations in the country in 1967. Plans are underway to construct a new Ouagadougou-Donsin Airport which will be located about 35 kilometers from the CBD.

At the Thomas Sankara International Airport in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso


Bus

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country thus it is connected to neighboring countries by tarred roads. Only about 2500 kilometers of road in Burkina Faso is paved which is a small percentage of the entire roads found in the country. It is not easy to travel by bus here in the country but please do so if you get a chance. The roads here are somewhat problematic thus it is best to use buses when traveling so as to avoid damaging your vehicle in potholes found on the road. Buses usually ferry passengers to other parts of the country and even to neighboring capitals.

A local bus in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso


Train

There exists up to 622 kilometers of rail here in Burkina Faso. Sitarail, a passenger train, has been operating from Ouagadougou to Abidjan thrice a week passing through Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou, and Banfora. The entire railway route in the country has 1,000 mm meter gauges


Hitchhiking

A majority of the population in Burkina Faso do not own personal cars as the poverty levels in the country are quite high. Motorists who do have will be willing to give you a ride when they happen to be en route to your destination. Many drivers here are usually kind-hearted thus you will get to chat with them as you head towards your destination. For those who will not reach your destination, they will ferry you to a place close to your destination then they will advise you on the best transport route to take to arrive at your destination.


Others

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country thus you cannot access the country other than by road, by rail, or by air. The most common mode of transport is by road where you can access the country though its various border towns. The road is also the most common mode of transport within the country itself.


Sustainable Shopping

  • Xoomba: This designing company in Burkina Faso has the dream of reducing the waste brought about by fashion. It strives in making hand –made organic clothes and textiles in the country. They adhere to high ethical standards in the production of readily affordable and environmentally friendly products. Customers get to enjoy a direct sales service where they will get their products after ordering for it so as to reduce the amount of waste generated. Retail costs as well as excess production is curbed by this method. This venture usually takes time and Xoomba is willing to go all the way to achieve zero waste in Bolomakoté and other places in Burkina Faso. This company has always been participating in the Kota Alliance Sustainable Fashion Summit.


Recycling

Locals here in Koudougou, a few kilometers from the capital Ouagadougou, have come up with an innovative way of recycling plastic. Many have started using plastic as the raw material for building their shops. NEERE, an NGO here in Burkina Faso has applauded this initiative. They are now working with the women and youth in the area in collecting plastics that can be used in building these shops. The group's target is to achieve high standards of hygiene for the locals here and the environment. They also employ the women and the youth here in the plastic collection program where while they will be cleaning up the environment, they will also be earning money in the process thus raising their living standards. SWITCH Africa Green is also another NGO working in Burkina Faso with the aim of reducing plastic waste in the country. They have started initiatives of teaching women to collect, sort, and clean plastic waste and use some to weave clothing materials. The UN and the EU are also part and parcel of this program. However, in 2015, the national government banned plastics here in the country thus the activities of these NGO s have so far ceased to continue.


Waste

Solid waste has always been a menace in Burkina Faso. The country has a shortage of resources to deal with this kind of problem which has continued to grow and affect the country in a negative way. This solid waste is mostly comprised of plastic. From plastic bottles to plastic bags, they are all usually carelessly discarded after use. They end up blocking drainage systems and even damage the beauty of the environment. Plastic is usually non-biodegradable as it cannot be decomposed organically hence end up causing a serious problem to the environment. Plastic bags are sometimes fed on by livestock and they may end up killing the livestock.


Work and Study Abroad

Expatriates and investors usually try to make the very best out of any opportunity to establish business opportunities. They will swoop in at any potential market and make the best of it. Some have noticed the potential that Burkina Faso has and are coming in to invest and set up their businesses here especially in the capital Ouagadougou. The UN has also set up offices here in Burkina Faso to facilitate its operations here in the country and the neighboring ones. They include:

  • United Nations Information Centres(UNIC): It is located in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. It was commissioned here in the country in April 1982. You can get in touch with the management here using these numbers, (226) 2530 6076(226) or 2533 6503.
  • United Nations Industrial Development Organization(UNIDO): It is located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. You can get in touch with the management here using this number, +226 25 490614.


Exchange Student

Burkina Faso has been making strides in improving its education sector so that learners can get some of the best skills recognized worldwide. The government has been putting in the effort to ensure that these institutions have all the resources they need to acquit their students with the necessary information and skills they need. Many local and some international students are enrolling in these institutions of higher learning to further their studies. The universities found here in Burkina Faso are:

  • University of Ouagadougou (UO): This university is located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. It was established in 1974 and was renamed l'Université Ouaga 1 Professeur Ki-Zerbo in 2015. This university offers some of the best courses including Health Sciences, Applied Sciences, Life and Earth Sciences, Legal and Political Sciences.
  • The University of Koudougou: This university is located in Koudougou and is among the three public universities in Burkina Faso. It was established in 2005 and offers some of the best courses recognized across the world. In 2015, it enrolled the highest number of students to date, a total of 15,346 students.
  • The Nazi Boni University. This university is located in Bobo-Dioulasso, Houet Province in Burkina Faso. It is also a public university. It was commissioned in 1995 and was given the name Polytechnic University of Bobo-Dioulasso. It enrolled the highest number of students in 2010, about 2,600 students. It was later renamed to Nazi Boni University in 2017 to celebrate Nazi Boni.

Other universities in the country are:

  • Université Ouaga II
  • École nationale d'Administration et de Magistrature


Au Pair

Burkina Faso is among the most underdeveloped countries in the world thus unemployment here in the country has skyrocketed. This has forced many locals to seek nanny jobs in other Developed countries in the continent and even beyond to the Middle East and European countries. Many of the population here in Burkina Faso live in rural areas and they usually come to the cities to try and seek employment opportunities, most of which are usually domestic jobs. This should not discourage you to come into the country to seek this type of job as you might just be lucky. You are advised to enroll in authentic sites offering domestic jobs in Burkina Faso where you will get linked to the best legal employers.


Volunteering

Burkina Faso is among the underdeveloped countries in the world believed to be number 183 out of 186 in terms of ranking. The literacy levels together with the infrastructure here are below expected standards. The national government is full of unqualified personnel thus the resources here in the country are poorly managed. Research has shown that only about 8 % of children usually attend secondary school. There are many volunteering opportunities in Burkina Faso and you are urged to come in and assist in whatever capacity that you can. The UN has been offering volunteering expeditions here in the country for a long time and you can enroll with the UN where you can even get the necessary training that you need. Burkina Faso is in dire need of both resources and manpower thus many volunteers are needed here to try and raise the living standards of the locals here. The various volunteering projects available here in Burkina Faso include offering education to the children there, providing guidance and support to orphans here, and participating in awareness campaigns in educating the masses about HIV/AIDS. We are all encouraged to come in and better the lives of the locals here.


See Also