Burkina Faso: Agriculture, a solution to food insecurity and youth unemployment in Burkina Faso

The transitional team led by Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has embarked on intensified agricultural activities aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency for the welfare of the population and boosting employment in the agricultural sector. Several initiatives have been launched to enhance agricultural production.

President Traoré highlighted these initiatives during a recent meeting with national stakeholders, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the overall well-being of the Burkinabe people.

Alongside security and economic priorities, agriculture remains a crucial focus for the transitional administration, aiming to secure food sovereignty for the nation.

In addition to promoting agricultural activities, the transitional government aims to economically empower agricultural stakeholders and create jobs.

Key initiatives include state support for agricultural producers through provision of seeds, inputs, and agricultural equipment under the “2023-2025 Agropastoral and Fishery Offensive” program.

Farmers now also receive free technical support for land preparation, facilitating the cultivation of large arable areas for increased production.

Furthermore, the government recently established a state-owned entity, the National Office for Dams and Hydroagricultural Developments (ONBAH), approved in May to oversee the development of hydro-agricultural infrastructure, dams, small reservoirs, as well as wells and boreholes to support agricultural and fishery activities.

President Traoré announced the imminent operationalization of ONBA, underscoring its role in advancing agricultural and fishery projects.

He affirmed the government’s commitment to continuing these initiatives to achieve their intended objectives in the agricultural sector.

Papa IBRAHIMA