The challenges of SONAGESS and CONASUR interventions in the fight against food insecurity among internally displaced persons in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Famine is a major challenge for vulnerable populations in Burkina Faso because it is a recurring problem. In this humanitarian context, several actors are involved in providing food assistance to IDPs. However, the actions of SONAGESS and CONASUR, public structures created for this purpose, are little known or studied.
This analysis therefore seeks to answer the following question: How are SONAGESS and CONASUR involved in food assistance to IDPs in Burkina Faso?
Based on data collected in the field and agricultural statistics, the results show that these structures contribute, at different scales, to the food access of these refugee migrants. Host localities with large IDP populations and food deficits are among the largest beneficiaries of SONAGESS food assistance. For CONASUR, the displaced receive direct food support through free food distributions, cash transfers and the sale of food at social prices.
However, the interventions of these two public services are not coordinated and integrated on the ground to facilitate regular and effective access to food for these vulnerable people.