From 2 to 10 April 2026, Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Suisse organised a workshop in Ouagadougou to launch the ResCoS project (Sustainable Strengthening of Resilience to Climate Change and Food and Nutritional Insecurity, and of Social Cohesion in Rural Communities). The project aims to support rural communities in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger in coping more effectively with the impacts of climate change, food insecurity and social tensions.
Twenty-five representatives from partner organisations across the three countries came together to prepare the collaboration and develop a shared vision for the years ahead. The workshop provided space for dialogue, exchange and joint reflection.
At the heart of the discussions was the question of how to strengthen communities in the region over the long term. Many communities in the Sahel are simultaneously affected by drought, conflict and economic instability. Families who depend on livestock are particularly vulnerable. This is where ResCoS aims to make a difference.
Throughout the workshop, participants explored practical approaches to strengthening animal health, food security and social cohesion within communities. Strengthening collaboration between local organisations across borders was also a key focus.
Capacity building played a central role in the programme. Participants deepened their understanding of the Livestock Emergency Guidelines and Standards (LEGS), an important framework for livestock-related humanitarian interventions, and discussed how these standards can be applied within the project.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of integrating a gender-sensitive approach into all activities, helping to ensure that women and men alike are included and benefit equally from the project.
In addition, training sessions on photography and videography were organised to strengthen partners’ ability to document and showcase their field activities. Improving visibility is not only important for communication, but also for accountability and for sharing experiences and lessons learned across the humanitarian and development sector.
Alongside the technical discussions, the workshop created an important space for exchanging experiences. Participants shared challenges from their daily work, discussed practical solutions and developed common approaches for implementing the project.
More than just a project introduction, the workshop laid the foundation for strong collaboration and a shared understanding of what sustainable support can look like in fragile contexts.
The first project activities will begin in the coming months. The partnerships strengthened during the workshop and the shared preparation provide an important basis for the successful implementation of ResCoS.