Financing Non-Formal Education in Burkina Faso

Abstract

representing 2.3% of the total education budget. Regarding the role and importance of non-formal education to human and national development and regarding the proportion of the education budget allocated to this programme, one can wonder whether non-formal education receives adequate financing. The method adopted for this study is mixed research method, using a multifaceted approach involving case study and descriptive survey research designs. The case study approach was adopted in order to have an in-depth examination of a specific country educational programme. With regard to its commitment, study findings showed that Government was not financing non-formal education adequately. There is little political commitment. The study also revealed inefficient budget allocation mechanism and suggested a cautious approach to budget allocation modalities. The paper recommended that efforts should be made by policy and decision-makers to reconsider their financial commitment and establish some relevant and transparent criteria for budget allocation. Other funding sources should be explored in order to realize optimum level of investment for a full development of non-formal education programme. The paper found clear evidence that taking into account unofficial funding agencies budget has a positive impact.

Non-formal education is of central concern for the Government of Burkina Faso and a key element in the Constitution (1991) of Burkina Faso regarding the fundamental right of every citizen to education. In Burkina Faso, adult literacy rate was estimated at 28.7% in 2007 with 36.7% for male and 21.6% for female (PDSEB 2012-2021). However, the budget allocated to non-formal education by the Government of Burkina Faso was estimated at 4% the budget of Basic education