Burkina Faso’s agricultural Penitentiary center in Baporo thrives under President Traoré’s initiative
The agricultural penitentiary center of Baporo, established by the father of the Burkinabe revolution, Thomas Sankara, continues to fulfill its mission. Aligned with the vision of the transitional president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the center plays a crucial role in alleviating prison overcrowding, reducing the state’s burden in managing detention facilities, preparing for social reintegration, and importantly, achieving self-sufficiency while contributing to the broader population’s food supply.
Through the 2023-2024 Presidential Agricultural Initiative, the center received state support to expand its cultivable areas, acquire plowing equipment, fertilizers, and seeds.
With this backing from the Burkinabe government, inmates at this facility have undertaken a monumental task.
Over 40 hectares, detainees have cultivated crops such as maize and sorghum during the rainy season.
For the ongoing dry season, the center plans to exploit 30 hectares, engaging in the production of 11 crops, including eggplant, onions, maize, and bananas.
The facility places a significant emphasis on livestock farming, where some inmates are involved in beekeeping, as well as raising pigs, chickens, sheep, and cattle.
The agricultural penitentiary center of Baporo stands as a unique correctional environment where all inmates work full-time, actively participating in agricultural production.
Beyond its role as a correctional facility, the center contributes to the training and utility of detainees for broader society.
President Traoré’s agricultural initiative, while reinforcing this role, ensures food security for the Burkinabe people.
Olivier TOE
