Burkina Faso: Fight against food insecurity, President Ibrahim Traoré’s actions in favor of agriculture
On Thursday, October 24, 2024, World Food Day (WFD) was celebrated in a deferred manner by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The event aimed to discuss ways to achieve food self-sufficiency. In response to rising food insecurity, President Ibrahim Traoré has reinforced Burkina Faso’s commitment to food security.
Aware of the challenges posed by climate shocks and internal conflicts, he has implemented a series of actions to revitalize the agricultural sector, which is essential for ensuring food self-sufficiency.
One of the initial initiatives is to increase support for smallholder farmers through subsidies on inputs, particularly improved seeds and fertilizers. By facilitating access to more resilient seeds suited to the region’s climatic conditions, the government aims to enhance the productivity of food crops while reducing reliance on food imports.
In parallel, President Traoré has launched several irrigation programs to secure harvests and optimize water resources. The goal is to reduce the vulnerability of farms to drought periods, thereby allowing for off-season crops.
In terms of security, the government has intensified the presence of Defense and Security Forces around agricultural production areas to protect farmers from terrorist attacks. Additionally, agricultural cooperatives are being promoted to strengthen the unity and resilience of producers by facilitating their access to markets and credit. President Traoré is also collaborating with international partners to train farmers in sustainable agricultural techniques and resource management.
Through this comprehensive strategy, President Ibrahim Traoré aims to transform Burkinabè agriculture into a resilient sector capable of feeding the population, combating rural poverty, and enhancing food security for years to come.
