(Ecofin Agency) - Agriculture contributes 20% of Burkina Faso’s GDP and employs about 73% of the active population. Over the past three months, the country’s government, concerned about food security, has been launching several initiatives in the agricultural sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture of Burkina Faso plans to launch a new strategy for boosting the country’s agricultural output. This was announced on August 30, at the Council of Ministers. 

Known as the "2023-2025 Fishing and Agropastoral Offensive”, the new program is expected to cost CFA592 billion ($981 million) to implement. About half the cost -54% (CFA317 billion)-should come from the private sector and the rest from the State.

The program, according to the source, will cover eight agricultural sub-sectors that are important for Burkina Faso. These are rice, corn, potatoes, wheat, fish, meat, poultry, and mango.

"This operational plan constitutes a programming framework for priority actions emanating from the action of the multiple actors and instruments of the Transition in agriculture and livestock to ensure food sovereignty in our country."

The government, under its plan, hopes to create at least 100,000 jobs in the agropastoral sector for youth, women, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP). It should be noted that this is the third plan the government has announced since May 2023 to boost the nation’s agricultural production and food security.

Stéphanas Assocle