Burkina Faso launches US$200M agricultural training program to boost food security

BURKINA FASO – Burkina Faso has initiated a large-scale agricultural training program aimed at equipping 8,000 young people with essential farming skills, as the country intensifies efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency. 

The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, is part of the Presidential Initiative for Agricultural Production and Food Self-Sufficiency (IP-P3A).

The first phase of the program has enrolled 2,000 participants in a three-month training period, conducted in partnership with the National Office of Major Projects. 

The initiative, running through 2025, has been allocated a total budget of 121 billion CFA francs (US$200M). Participants will undergo training at various agricultural and vocational centers across the country, gaining technical knowledge in sustainable farming practices.

Gaoussou Sanou, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that the program aims to provide young people with the necessary skills to support agricultural production and contribute to the Agropastoral and Fisheries Offensive. Upon completion, trainees will be allocated plots of land to begin their farming ventures.

Expanding irrigation to support agricultural growth

In a separate effort to strengthen agricultural productivity, Burkina Faso has secured a US$20M loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KEDEA) to develop 2,000 hectares of irrigated land in Sono Kuri, Kossi province. 

The overall cost of the project stands at US$59M. Authorities expect the initiative to enhance food production and create employment opportunities in rural areas.

The expanded irrigation system will facilitate the cultivation of staple crops such as rice, maize, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, and bananas. Officials estimate that once operational, the project will generate approximately 40,000 tons of agricultural produce annually, contributing to domestic food supply.

Burkina Faso is also benefiting from the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (PRSA-BF), a regional initiative aimed at improving agricultural productivity. 

In January, the program’s Steering Committee announced an allocation of over US$23.6M for irrigation, lowland farming, and market gardening projects scheduled for 2025.

According to official data, Burkina Faso has more than 233,500 hectares of irrigable land suitable for rice production. 

Strengthening water management infrastructure

Moreover the country is advancing its water management infrastructure with additional financing aimed at improving irrigation systems and ensuring sustainable water access for farming communities. 

On February 12, the Council of Ministers approved a US$144M financing agreement with the International Development Association (IDA) for the Burkina Faso Water Security Project (PSE-BF).

The six-year project will rehabilitate 35 dams, develop 788 hectares of irrigated land, stock 15 water reservoirs, construct 15 fish ponds, and restore 5,000 hectares of degraded land. 

The government has stated that these measures are intended to improve dam safety, enhance access to irrigation, and strengthen resilience to climate-related challenges.