MCC should continue following the IFC Performance Standards (officially adopted in 2012 – after implementation of resettlement activities in Burkina Faso had begun) in order to avoid pitfalls related to the sometimes inconsistent resettlement implementation strategies used before their adoption. The evaluation noted some potential issues with the compensation process, which may have been caused by inadequate communication. Some farmers with larger plot sizes stated they were unsatisfied with the amount of the financial compensation. The evaluator’s own analysis suggests these project affected persons (PAPs) may have been disadvantaged by the compensation formula, which was excessively complicated even for resettlement professionals, let alone PAPs. Additionally, farmers rejected the resettlement consultants’ use of aerial imagery to determine plot sizes. MCC has addressed this lesson by requiring that (i) all MCC Environmental and Social Performance (ESP) staff and consultants working on resettlement are well-informed about IFC Performance Standard (PS) 5 concerning land acquisition and resettlement; (ii) specialized resettlement consultants are used in all projects that trigger PS 5; (iii) experienced staff or consultants with resettlement expertise prepare and review resettlement documents, such as resettlement policy frameworks and resettlement action plans; and (iv) supervision missions during implementation entail rigorous review of resettlement activities. Furthermore, the ESP division is preparing detailed resettlement guidance specific to MCC needs and operations to supplement the guidance provided for IFC PS 5.
Lesson Learned