The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has been working in Burkina Faso since 1973. It has had an office in the capital Ouagadougou since 1987. In Burkina Faso, GIZ operates mainly on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). He also works for the Federal Foreign Office (AA) and other international sponsors. Its priority areas are: sustainable agriculture, decentralization, water supply and sanitation. GIZ coordinates projects on food security and soil conservation to improve agricultural production and meet the growing food demand in Burkina Faso. This includes making crops more resilient. Green Innovation Centers offer advisory and training services in agribusiness and the food industry and access to special agricultural loans. Innovations include the use of technical aids and improved seeds. The aim is for small farmers to improve their incomes, create new jobs and increase regional food production.