Soilless farming is proving essential for boosting food security among internally displaced people (IDPs) who live in camps or densely populated areas with limited agricultural space. As land access becomes increasingly difficult, these resourceful women have turned to soilless methods in compact areas, showing promising results. This innovative approach is even fostering entrepreneurial spirit among some displaced women.
In a modest courtyard shielded from roaming livestock, women diligently manage weeds in small containers under the intense sun. While their labor might seem simple to outsiders, it’s second nature for these dedicated individuals. In their well-organized, secure environment, these women are adapting and thriving.
The humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso has forced many people to flee their homes, with recent reports highlighting that hundreds of thousands of Burkinabè are now struggling without basic necessities like food and water.
In Sector No. 4 of Kaya, a makeshift courtyard of approximately 240 m² has been transformed into elevated agricultural plots by around thirty internally displaced women. At first glance, the area appears ordinary and does not reveal the agricultural activity taking place.
Driven by resilience and the need to support themselves, these women cultivate a variety of vegetables, including peanuts, sorrel, okra, wild eggplant, and cowpeas. They employ discarded items like old tires, cans, bags, and buckets as their farming tools. On July 5, 2024, at the production center of the Baark-Zaaka Association of Sanmatenga (ABZS) in Kaya—an organization dedicated to supporting internally displaced women—attention was drawn to the plants growing in bags.
More than twenty women were present, working in small groups to pick, sow, and maintain the site. Recently, new arrivals had come by bicycle, with babies on their backs, ready to start their workday. Every activity in this space is executed with care and intention.

Armed with pickaxes and baskets, the women work silently, fully immersed in their tasks. They have embraced their new reality without hesitation. After persistent inquiries, it becomes clear that these women come from Namissiguima, Kelbo, Barsalogo, and Foubé, now united by a shared experience in Kaya.
Minata Bamogo, 40, formerly of Namissiguima in Sanmatenga, dedicates some of her time to caring for a small cat. Like many others, she was forced to escape with her four children due to frequent terrorist attacks. The violence and danger she faced have made survival a continuous challenge.
Upon arriving in Kaya, she quickly realizes that the realities are starkly different. Rehabilitation becomes essential, and she finds herself in a makeshift shelter with unstable living conditions, facing significant shortages of clean water and food.
Back in her home region, agriculture was her primary source of sustenance. However, continuing this activity in an urban setting is no longer possible. Despite these obstacles, Minata exhibits remarkable resilience.
She chose to join a women’s group organized within an association to work in a community garden. She notes that the integration with the host population has been seamless.
“We come from various ethnic backgrounds. Initially, our differences were noticeable, but now, it’s hard to distinguish between us, the internally displaced, and the local residents. We have been embraced by the community and have become one with them,” she explains.
Pingréwaoga Ouédraogo, also a member of the association from Namissiguima, adds her perspective. She has been engaged in soilless agriculture for several months, finding it essential for her daily needs. This technique not only provides a steady income but also gives her control over her food supply.

“I started soilless agriculture here over six months ago, and it’s proved very practical. I cultivate sorrel, cowpea leaves, wild eggplant, and okra. Since I began, I no longer need to purchase condiments from the market. I sell my produce, and with the earnings, I buy seeds and support my family,” she says. She mentions that each harvest yields around 4,000 CFA francs, highlighting the significant benefits of this method.
He notes that the community work is carried out in a supportive environment that helps them temporarily escape the challenges of their new urban life. “In my hometown, agriculture was our primary source of sustenance. It allowed us to keep our pantry stocked and live without relying on external help. We seldom needed to buy food. Since moving to Kaya, however, we face numerous difficulties and are compelled to purchase everything.
My main desire is for peace to return. When I can go back, I intend to continue practicing soilless agriculture, which is both space-efficient and requires minimal effort. For example, during the dry season, this method will enable us to grow green leaves for our meals,” she explains.
Mariam Ouédraogo, who is in her fifties and has eight children, is also a member of the association from Namissiguima. She was compelled to flee her village with her family due to safety issues.
She abandoned her home, agricultural land, and personal memories. Upon reaching Kaya, she was met with difficult living conditions and persistent uncertainty about the future for her family.
To support herself and maintain dignity, she has combined soilless agriculture with Soumbala production. “At home, I grow cowpeas, sorrel, okra, and other crops. I no longer worry about condiments, and I also make Soumbala to enhance the flavor of my dishes. OCADES provided me with the equipment for Soumbala production.

We learned a great deal about resilience, including tomato preservation and the processing of non-wood products. Since then, I have found financial stability, and my family has sufficient food. Back in Namissiguima, we used to buy from other women, but upon our return, we plan to sell alongside them. During the dry season, we can produce goods for both sale and consumption. Soilless agriculture is highly profitable, and to maximize production, it’s essential to create intervals for sowing so that harvests can be staggered over time. I also sell my produce during social events,” she proudly explains.
Alizéta Sawadogo, 26, from Barsalogho and mother of five, asserts that soilless agriculture is highly advantageous. “Even with a small area, we can grow a variety of crops. Despite unpredictable rainfall, we can still produce successfully. This method is quite forgiving. My greatest hope is for peace to return,” she says as she tends to her garden.
To learn more about the origins of the center, we speak with Rasmata Ouédraogo, the founding leader of the Baark-Zaaka Association of Sanmatenga (ABZS). With a slight smile, she shares that the association was established in 2020 in response to worsening security conditions and resulting population displacement. Ouédraogo explains that the association provides vocational training and entrepreneurship programs to equip women with practical skills.

“Since the crisis began in Burkina Faso, especially in the Centre-North region of Kaya, and with the increase in internally displaced people, the association has launched income-generating activities for these women. Soilless cultivation has become a key focus. The women not only grow crops but also process néré seeds into Soumbala and create biodegradable bags.
Given the limited rainfall in the region and the need to purchase everything due to displacement, I introduced this method so that each woman can produce food for her own consumption,” she explains. She adds that soilless agriculture is conducted without chemicals, using cowpea seeds as manure and ONEA water for irrigation to manage rainfall variability.
Rasmata Ouédraogo notes that soilless agriculture uses tools that avoid direct soil contact, enabling low-income families, especially IDPs, to grow vegetables, condiments, and fresh, healthy fruits throughout the year at a reduced cost.

Furthermore, the association uses the income generated to support members’ social needs. “Recently, we assisted a member who lost her child and provided tents for those without shelter. These are some of the benefits of soilless agriculture for our projects,” Ouédraogo explains.
She also shares that the association has a plot of land awaiting development, which will allow for the construction of a center, a warehouse, and a borehole to expand their soilless agriculture efforts as part of their vision.
Soilless agriculture provides a promising approach to enhance the resilience of displaced women by boosting their food security, generating economic opportunities, and supporting their psychological and social well-being.