Distribution of food vouchers in Ouagadougou

WFP’s mission is to provide food aid, and traditionally this has meant the direct provision of basic foodstuffs to those in need. However alternative methods of providing assistance are now being developed, including the provision of vouchers which can be exchanged for food at local stores. This is useful where the problem is high food prices rather than a shortage of food. Burkina has been running such a programme since earlier this year and yesterday I went to see the programme in action in Ouagadougou (the programme is also running in Burkina’s second city Bobo-Dioulasso). First we went to a distribution centre, where the beneficiaries come to collect their vouchers from a WFP partner. On arrival we found a busy atmosphere, with people queuing up to receive their vouchers. The process was all very smooth and efficient, but rather labour intensive, with documents being checked and information being entered on forms at various stages, following which the beneficiaries must sign (by thumbprint) that they have received their vouchers. In most cases the beneficiaries then go straight to one of the designated local stores where they can exchange their vouchers for staple food items and soap. Each voucher is worth 1500 cfa (about $3 US). We then visited one of the designated stores which was again very busy, with people queuing, first to hand in heir vouchers, and then to collect and take away the food. It was noticeable how busy this little shop was compared to others in the area – accepting the WFP vouchers is clearly good business for the shopkeepers!



In the evening a WFP colleague, Romuald, took me to a local restaurant. This was set up in the car park of the football stadium (Stade Municipal) – the setting was a bit bizarre, but the food was very good. It took about 45 minutes to prepare the meal, so after ordering we went for a drive around some of he sites of Ouaga. When we got back the meal was all ready, but there were no tables - this was soon sorted and we sat down toour meal of fish (Carp I think) with peppers and a side plate of Yam - delicious. See pic of Romuald about to tuck in.

I’m now back in Dakar after a long day’s traveling via Abidjan. The trip to Burkina was not only interesting but also very enjoyable and I hope I’ll have the chance to visit again sometime.