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Habitat for Humanity Cote d` lvoire
 | |  | | | Habitat's Work in Cote d` lvoire | Full house sponsorship cost: US$6,020
Incremental house sponsorship cost: US$3,010
| | Cote d` lvoire News and Stories | Kouakou’s testimony
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Côte d'Ivoire -- Habitat for Humanity Int'l 1
Why Habitat is needed in Côte d'Ivoire
Among the world’s largest producers and exporters of coffee and palm oil, Côte d'Ivoire once boasted the strongest economy in West Africa. Now, due to a devastating civil war and global economic pressure in 2002, the country contends with extreme poverty, and its exhausted infrastructure struggles to meet the growing needs of the people.
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The former house of HFH homeowner, Balét Simplice.
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Homeowner Balét Simplice outside his new house. “I am very satisfied to have this house. I hope that [the project] will grow even more for the happiness of other small farmers.”
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In the city of Abidjan alone, the housing deficit is estimated to be 12,000 houses per year. Urbanization is adding to the problem, with almost half of the growing population now living in towns or cities.
In rural areas, the need is also immense. Many people live in temporary structures, which require extensive upkeep and repair and are vulnerable to fire. Walls are typically made of mud in a wooden frame and often crack, causing leaks and eventually falling apart. Thatch-roof houses harbor numerous disease-carrying insects, such as malarial mosquitoes and the tsetse fly, which can spread eye disease.
How Habitat helps
Established in 1999, Habitat for Humanity Côte d'Ivoire seeks to break the cycle of poverty by working with homeowners to provide safe, dry and secure homes, with decent sanitation.
HFHCI builds houses using appropriate technology and local building materials. The houses are made of brick and mortar, with corrugated iron roofing sheets. The designs are simple and spacious and cater to the individual families’ needs, while remaining affordable for the homeowners. Houses consist of either two or three bedrooms and a hall. Smaller houses are currently planned, in order to reach families on the lowest income groups.
Highlights
- HFHCI is building homes for disabled people in 15 communities in the eastern and western regions and is providing housing for cocoa farmers. Volunteer work days for local organizations and churches are a regular feature of the program. This allows participation towards community redevelopment.
Facts about Ghana
Location: Western Africa, between Ghana and Liberia
Population: 17.1 million
Languages: French and local dialects
Climate: Tropical on the coast and semi-arid in the far North; three seasons
Religions: Islam, Christianity and indigenous beliefs
Government: Republic; multi-party presidential system
Economy: Main crops are cocoa, coffee, beans and palm oil. Oil and diamonds are key resources.
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