Burkina Faso: Agricultural production, the Burkinabe army also cultivates food sovereignty in Banfora
As part of the Presidential Initiative for Agricultural Production and Food Self-Sufficiency (IP-P3A), the monitoring mission of the National Office for Major Projects of Burkina Faso (BN-GPB) continues its field visits. After stops in Gaoua and Diébougou, the delegation reached Banfora on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, visiting the 24th Combined Arms Regiment (RIA).
This project, implemented in collaboration with the Central Directorate of Military Engineering (DCGM) and the General Directorate of Penitentiary Administration (DGAP), aims to strengthen food security by mobilizing the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and correctional institutions.
In Banfora, despite the limited space—only one hectare compared to the four originally planned—the commitment is evident. Agricultural development began six months ago. An initial tomato-growing campaign was completed, and for the rainy season, eggplant, onion, and maize are being cultivated, alongside recently planted fruit trees.
According to Lieutenant Soulga Yacouba, unit commander, the initial results have been modest, but the outlook is promising: “Among us are people with experience in agriculture. These are the ones who volunteer to manage the crops. The harvests are intended to improve the soldiers’ meals”.
The main constraint remains the size of the plot, which is still too small to fully realize the project’s potential. The commander expressed hope that the initially planned four hectares will be developed on a newly acquired, better-suited site.
The BN-GPB monitoring mission, tasked with assessing the progress of the various sites, will continue through July 19, with upcoming stops in Bobo-Dioulasso, Baporo, and Dédougou—underscoring the national commitment to rooting food sovereignty even within military garrisons.
