Burkina Faso: Prisoners and defence and security forces as production players for food self-sufficiency
In a bold move to achieve food self-sufficiency, President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has launched an innovative plan that enlists inmates and defense and security forces (FDS) in agro-silvo-pastoral production.
This initiative, currently in its pilot phase, is being implemented in various barracks and correctional facilities across the country.
President Traoré’s vision comes at a time when food sufficiency is a national priority.
By mobilizing inmates and the FDS to support agricultural and livestock production, Burkina Faso aims to turn challenges into opportunities, leveraging available human resources to boost local production.
The initiative is underway, with the establishment of animal and agricultural production units in several military and penal institutions.
These units aim to train inmates and FDS members in modern agricultural and livestock techniques while directly contributing to the country’s food production.
If successful, this pilot phase could be expanded nationwide, involving more barracks and correctional centers.
Such an expansion could position Burkina Faso as a leader in transforming security and rehabilitation institutions into key players in economic development and food self-sufficiency.
President Traoré’s commitment to making inmates and the FDS active contributors to agro-silvo-pastoral production is both innovative and promising.
By turning security and penitentiary challenges into development opportunities, Burkina Faso is paving a bold path toward food self-sufficiency and sustainable development.
Olivier TOE
