A policy analysis of the language reform in Burkina Faso from 1979 to 1984

This study is an analysis of the language reform policy which was implemented in Burkina Faso from 1979 to 1984. The study provides an in-depth analysis of the key factors in the policy process including policy environment, agenda setting, policy formulation and adoption, and policy implementation. The study concludes with a discussion on the causes for the policy failure.;The research for this study was conducted in France, Senegal and in Burkina Faso with interviews at the headquarters of agencies such as UNESCO, the ACCT, the IPB as well as several other agencies involved in various aspects of the language policy in Burkina Faso.;The data was gathered using an eight-step guideline set by the field of policy research. Throughout the analysis, a sequential approach to policy cycle was applied. The conceptual theories developed by policy analysis, Quade and Anderson (on the effects of policy environment), Wildavsky and Pressman (on implementation), Dunn, Hogwood and Dye (on the policy process) were used to analyze the data.;The findings underscore the fact that despite not following a classical pattern of policy cycle as defined by the current literature in policy analysis, the reform was faced with some of the most common errors and policy obstacles which ultimately resulted in its termination. These included: (1) the negative impact of the environment, (2) the failure of the sensibilization campaign to provide accurate and objective information on the motives and benefits of the reform, (3) the political instability, (4) the lack of policy enforcement rules, (5) the ambiguous role of UNESCO, (6) the lack of institutional collaboration and the inadequate distribution of the project funds.;By providing an in-depth analysis of the language policy, it should be possible to explain why the language reform failed at a time when the country was led by a group of progressive leaders more inclined to undertake social reforms than previous regimes. Finally, the study should contribute to improving the understanding of policy making process in order to give policy makers better tools to succeed in planning successful policies within the socio-cultural context of African countries.