Burkina Faso establishes price controls to stabilize agricultural market and protect citizens
In response to the growing volatility of agricultural prices, which negatively impacts both producers and consumers, the Burkinabe government has adopted a decree establishing a system of guaranteed minimum prices and regulated market prices for agricultural, forestry, and livestock products.
This widely praised decision is part of a broader effort to protect the population and promote a more stable and equitable rural economy.
The guaranteed minimum price, as defined in the decree, acts as a safety net for producers.
It sets a price floor below which no targeted product be it cereals, legumes, oilseeds, dried fruits, or market garden produce can be sold.
This measure aims to ensure a decent income for farmers, who are often victims of unpredictable market fluctuations.
By guaranteeing them a minimum revenue, the state acknowledges their central role in the nation’s food security and provides them with much-needed economic stability.
On the other hand, the regulated selling price serves to protect consumers, particularly during periods of abnormal price hikes.
Using strategic reserves managed by the national food security agency, the state can intervene in the market by selling products at a fixed, reasonable, and accessible price for households.
This approach helps curb excessive speculation, especially during lean seasons or crises.
This dual mechanism—protecting the producer upstream and the consumer downstream—represents an effective lever for economic stabilization. It reflects the commitment of the Burkinabè authorities to build a fairer market where the interests of the most vulnerable players in the agri-food chain are taken into account. By regulating prices, the government also meets a demand for social justice and national solidarity.
Beyond the economic aspects, this measure helps strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector, a fundamental pillar of Burkina Faso’s development. It demonstrates that the Burkinabè state stands by its producers while ensuring equitable access to essential foodstuffs for the entire population.
Maurice K. ZONGO
