The signing of a Host Country Agreement with the government of Burkina Faso has significantly strengthened CIFOR's work in West Africa.

Signed in December 2007, by the Burkina Faso Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation, Mr Djibrill Yipènè Bassolé, and CIFOR's Director General, Frances Seymour, the agreement formalises the partnership and sets the stage for CIFOR to build on its vital research aimed at reducing poverty through improved management of forests and woodlands in West Africa.

The partnership will be managed from the Burkina Faso capital of Ouagadougou.

Burkina Faso may not have the big trees found in the humid forest zone, but its dry woodlands are crucial for the livelihoods of millions of people. Of all the states in West Africa, Burkina Faso has the highest percentage of its population living in rural areas, and will remain the base for CIFOR's work in both dry and humid areas.

CIFOR will continue to develop knowledge and policy recommendations for States and other stakeholders, both on improved livelihoods and sustainable use of forests. Equitable benefit sharing, stakeholder participation, best practise, integrated management and capacity building are all important objectives.

"This agreement demonstrates that both parties share a common vision of the importance of research for economic and social development, as well as the importance of forests and woodlands for poverty reduction and improved livelihoods," said CIFOR's Regional Coordinator for West Africa, Mr Daniel Tiveau.

"The formalisation of this partnership is enormously important for CIFOR to develop its work in West Africa," he added. "This agreement, in conjunction with CIFOR's new long-term strategy, will provide the tools for efficient engagement that we are confident will make a real difference in the region."

Story by Daniel Tiveau, CIFOR