Building Resilience: How Social Protection Transformed Lives in Burkina Faso

The World Bank report highlights how Adaptive Social Protection (ASP) programs in Burkina Faso have significantly improved household income, education, and resilience, particularly for women and children. By combining financial aid with skill-building and savings initiatives, these programs have created lasting economic stability and strengthened communities against climate and economic shocks.

The World Bank report on Adaptive Social Protection (ASP) in Burkina Faso, developed in collaboration with the Development Research Group of the World Bank, the Sahel Adaptive Social Protection Program (SASPP), and leading economists from academic institutions, highlights the far-reaching impact of social safety nets in the Sahel. Through extensive research and evaluations, the report demonstrates how ASP programs have significantly improved household welfare, increased productivity, and strengthened resilience in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions. In a country where poverty, climate shocks, and economic instability threaten millions, these programs have provided not just financial aid but a pathway toward long-term economic security and human development.

The Evolution of Social Safety Nets in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso has a long history of implementing social safety net programs aimed at improving the well-being of its most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. The first phase of these programs, introduced in 2008, focused on improving children’s education, health, and overall household socioeconomic conditions. Encouraged by positive outcomes, the government expanded its initiatives with the Burkin Naong Sa Ya (PFS-BNS) program in 2014, which continued through 2024. This large-scale intervention combined financial support with productive inclusion measures to help beneficiaries accumulate assets, save money, and diversify their income sources. The program’s objective was to not only provide short-term relief but also foster long-term resilience in the face of economic and environmental shocks.

A key finding of the report is that ASP programs have a lasting impact even after financial aid ends. Households that received direct cash transfers and attended regular informational sessions on health and nutrition reported higher incomes even 16 months after the program concluded. This sustained financial stability was primarily driven by a 15% increase in agricultural earnings, showing that well-designed social protection measures can go beyond immediate assistance and empower households to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Through Education and Health

One of the most significant impacts of ASP programs in Burkina Faso has been their role in protecting and investing in future generations. The first phase of the country’s social safety net programs in 2008 resulted in a notable rise in school enrollment, attendance, and grade progression among children from poor households. The expanded PFS-BNS program continued to build on these achievements, leading to a 14.3% increase in school enrollment, a 14.9% rise in the average years of schooling, and a 16.4% increase in grade progression. Improvements in children’s nutrition were also evident, especially during years of poor harvests, indicating that these programs act as a crucial buffer against food insecurity.

Beyond education, social safety nets also significantly improved healthcare access. Routine health clinic visits for children under five years increased, and the number of reported illnesses among children declined. Families receiving financial support were able to prioritize medical check-ups and nutrition, ensuring better health outcomes for young children. By preventing negative coping strategies—such as withdrawing children from school or cutting back on food—ASP programs have played a vital role in breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty.

Empowering Women Through Productive Inclusion

Women have been among the biggest beneficiaries of Burkina Faso’s social protection programs. The report highlights how productive inclusion measures have helped female participants boost their incomes, increase their savings, and build financial independence. Women who received support under the PFS-BNS program saw their non-agricultural income grow by 37%, while their participation in off-farm income-generating activities increased by 75%.

Even in the face of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and regional insecurity, these women demonstrated remarkable resilience. Their savings increased by 251%, business assets grew by 94%, and livestock holdings expanded by 34%. By integrating financial literacy, business training, and access to credit into ASP programs, the initiative has enabled women to break free from traditional economic limitations and establish more sustainable livelihoods. These interventions have not only improved financial stability but also strengthened women's role in household decision-making and community leadership.

Strengthening Communities and Building Resilience

Beyond individual economic benefits, ASP programs have also strengthened social ties and community networks in Burkina Faso. Beneficiaries reported an increased ability to mobilize financial support during emergencies, as well as higher participation in local activities such as village associations, charitable giving, and volunteering. This sense of community support plays a crucial role in enhancing resilience, as it provides an informal safety net that helps families withstand economic and environmental shocks.

The psychological and social benefits of the programs have been equally noteworthy. Before receiving assistance, only 3% of beneficiaries felt they were better off than the average citizen. After participating in the program, this number more than doubled to 7.5%, demonstrating how social protection interventions can improve not just financial well-being but also self-confidence and social standing. The improved mental health and optimism reported by beneficiaries are critical factors in long-term poverty alleviation and social inclusion.

A Model for the Sahel and Beyond

The findings of the World Bank report make a compelling case for the expansion of Adaptive Social Protection programs, both within Burkina Faso and across the Sahel region. The evidence shows that social safety nets are not just short-term relief mechanisms but strategic investments in human capital and economic resilience. By combining financial aid with educational and business training, ASP programs empower households to escape the cycle of poverty and build more sustainable futures.

As climate change and economic instability continue to threaten vulnerable populations, the report underscores the urgency of scaling up ASP interventions. The success of Burkina Faso’s model suggests that similar programs could be replicated in other Sahelian countries to protect millions from falling deeper into poverty. Governments, development agencies, and international donors must work together to expand these initiatives and ensure that the most at-risk communities have the resources they need to thrive.

By integrating financial assistance, education, and skill-building opportunities, adaptive social protection is proving to be a game-changer for the poorest populations. As the global community seeks solutions to combat poverty and inequality, Burkina Faso’s experience offers a roadmap for resilience, stability, and long-term prosperity.