Government outlines bold strategy to transform Burkina Faso’s farming sector
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has placed agriculture at the heart of the national agenda, using a recent Council of Ministers meeting to unveil sweeping reforms for the 2026-2027 farming season. While acknowledging the progress made by key institutions like the Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles (INERA) and Société Nationale de Commercialisation des Produits Pétroliers (SONACO) in producing certified seeds and fertilizers, Sonko delivered a candid assessment of the sector’s persistent challenges. Despite measurable gains, structural weaknesses continue to hinder Burkina Faso’s pursuit of food self-sufficiency.
Key bottlenecks: seed dependency, credit access and storage gaps
The Prime Minister highlighted critical systemic failures that must be addressed to unlock the sector’s potential. These include:
- Chronic seed dependency: Burkina Faso still relies heavily on imported seeds, leaving local farmers vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions.
- Credit access barriers: Many farmers struggle to secure loans, limiting their ability to invest in modern equipment or expand operations.
- Storage infrastructure deficit: Inadequate storage facilities across the country lead to post-harvest losses, undermining food security.
- Quality control failures: Inconsistencies in seed and fertilizer quality during past seasons have reduced yields and farmer confidence.
- Equipment maintenance gaps: Outdated or poorly maintained farming machinery hampers productivity.
To address these issues, Sonko has mandated a shift toward a more transparent and efficient agricultural supply chain. A pilot program in Tenkodogo and Dédougou demonstrated that digital tools can significantly reduce graft and improve input distribution. Building on this success, the government will fast-track the digitalization of seed and fertilizer distribution nationwide. In the interim, strict oversight will ensure that subsidies reach farmers as intended, with zero tolerance for mismanagement or diversion of resources.
The reforms signal a decisive move toward reducing Burkina Faso’s reliance on external agricultural inputs while empowering local producers. By tackling these foundational challenges, the government aims to create a more resilient and self-sufficient farming sector capable of meeting the nation’s food demands.
