Burkina Faso: Remarkable progress towards food self-sufficiency thanks to an ambitious agricultural policy

Burkina Faso has achieved remarkable success in the 2024-2025 rainy season agricultural campaign, with a surplus in cereal production. According to the Minister of Agriculture, Commander Ismaël Sombié, the country’s cereal output for the season is estimated at 6,077,000 tonnes, marking a significant increase of nearly 900,000 tonnes compared to the previous year’s production of 5,147,000 tonnes.

This represents an 18.07% rise from last year and a 21.4% increase over the average production of the last five years.

These impressive results reflect the government’s proactive agricultural policy, which prioritizes local production and aims to achieve food self-sufficiency.

 This surge in agricultural output is crucial not only for securing the country’s food supply but also for reducing Burkina Faso’s reliance on cereal imports.

To ensure better accessibility to cereals for all consumers and to prevent price pressures within the domestic market, the government has implemented several important measures. Minister Sombié clarified that the export of cereals has been banned to safeguard local market supply.

Additionally, the government has strengthened the capacity of SONAGESS (National Grain Reserve Management Company) and instituted stricter price control mechanisms.

This approach is designed to stabilize the market, keep prices affordable for consumers, and ensure a steady supply of cereals, particularly for vulnerable populations.

These efforts highlight the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural growth and ensuring long-term food security for the nation.

With such positive outcomes, Burkina Faso appears to be on track to achieve its goal of food self-sufficiency, while also supporting the development of its agricultural sector and enhancing the resilience of farmers in the face of climate challenges.

Papa IBRAHIMA