Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is facing one of the world’s most neglected humanitarian crises, driven by insecurity, amid adverse climatic conditions. These challenges are pushing many people — already living with limited resources — to the brink of survival. 

While more than one million displaced people have recently returned to their areas of origin, displacements continue, but the full extent remains unclear due to the lack of updated official data. Many communities, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas, lack access to essential services such as food, water, health care, and education.

With primary sources of income like farming and trade often disrupted, an estimated 2.7 million people are severely food insecure across the country. Over 466,000 children under five, as well as pregnant women and lactating mothers, are at risk of severe malnutrition. This situation is compounded by the closure of health facilities or reduced services in affected areas, restricting access to care for millions.

Humanitarian access remains difficult, severely hindering response efforts. Some roads to affected areas are unsafe, with communities dependent on costly air operations and supply convoys. Despite these obstacles, humanitarian partners remain committed to meeting urgent needs. 

In 2024, Burkina Faso faced major challenges, with the humanitarian community confronting significant obstacles, amid insufficient funding. Across the country, 5.9 million people — more than a quarter of the population — are expected to require humanitarian assistance in 2025. At least 25 per cent of this population are women, and 55 per cent are children. With the risk of food insecurity peaking during the lean season (June–September) and thousands of children and mothers at risk of severe malnutrition, there is an urgent need for sustained food assistance and nutritional support. 

The steady decline in aid funding remains a persistent challenge, undermining response efforts and forcing humanitarian partners and affected communities to make difficult choices. In 2024, only 45 per cent of the required funds were received, allowing humanitarian partner to assist just 1.6 million people — targetless than half of those initially planned. Without adequate resources, partners may be compelled to suspend, scale back, or halt critical programs, with direct consequences for crisis-affected people. 

In 2025, the UN and its humanitarian partners appealed for US$792.6 million to assist 3.7 million people with urgent needs. The response will complement Government’s efforts on food, health, shelter, education, protection, and livelihood. It also prioritizes investment in people, infrastructure, and sustainable local solutions to help communities live with dignity and build resilience. 

However, due to the ongoing funding crisis, the humanitarian community has had to reprioritize its response plan to focus on the most vulnerable. While overall needs and targets remain unchanged, partners are seeking at least $279.5 million to assist 1.2 million people. Greater international attention and broader donor support are critical to restoring hope and dignity for Burkinabè communities caught in crisis.