Most of Burkino Faso is a wide plateau formed by riverine systems and is called falaise de Banfora.

[5] The principal river is the Red Volta, that originates in the northern region and drains into Ghana.

[5] The region has dry conditions but extreme events (flooding and drought) also occur frequently.

[10] In the rural communities in the sub-basin Nouaho sub-basin, which is part of the larger Nakanbé basin, there are several ethnic groups: the Mossi (mainly agriculturalists who are now (as of 2021) also moving towards livestock production), and the Peul (mainly pastoralists who are now also turning to growing crops).

[13] A study that investigated water security of households and women's vulnerability to climate-related risks in the Nouaho sub-basin in 2021 found that "Water was described as inadequate every year between November and June, and respondents perceived lower water availability during the dry season compared with 10–20 years ago due to changes in climate, migrants to the area, growing populations, and increased numbers of animals.

[6] The area has water user associations to manage the operation and maintenance of boreholes and to interact with local authorities.

[6] Sanitation facilities are very poor in the Nouaho sub-basin, with around 66% of the population using open defecation instead of toilets (as of 2021).

There have been military coups until 1983 when Captain Thomas Sankara took control and implemented radical left wing policies.

He was ousted by Blaise Compaore, who continued for 27 years until 2014, when a popular uprising ended his rule.

[14] As per Law No.40/98/AN in 1998, Burkina Faso adhered to decentralization to provide administrative and financial autonomy to local communities.

The communes are stipulated to develop economic, social and cultural values of its citizens.