Sandbondtenga: Agricultural VDPs from the commune of Ziga conducted a training session from April 28 to May 1, 2026, for 50 young people and women on agri-food processing techniques, good hygiene practices and the packaging of local products. Initiated as part of a strategy to promote local entrepreneurship, this practical training enabled participants to strengthen their skills in processing and packaging local products.

According to Burkina Information Agency, this initiative consolidates the beneficiaries' existing skills while introducing new agri-food processing techniques. Trainer Mariam Ouedraogo emphasized the importance of these skills in enhancing local entrepreneurship.

'We learned new techniques for producing toedo juice, but also essential hygiene rules such as wearing face masks and head coverings to avoid any contamination. We also learned how to better package our products to guarantee their quality,' said Mamounata Sawadogo, a participant.

For Zalissa Sawadogo, this training represents an opportunity to create income-generating activities. She states that she is considering setting up her own business in this field.

For his part, Pascal Sawadogo, agricultural VDP and trainer, emphasized the civic nature of the initiative. 'It is our duty to share the knowledge acquired during our training at the Badnogo center and the Bissiri rural development center with our mothers, sisters, and brothers,' he stated. He believes these new skills will allow participants to develop income-generating activities and achieve financial independence.

In addition, 24 young people from the commune undertook a patriotic and civic immersion in the centers of Badnogo and Bissiri (Kombissiri), where they were trained in agricultural and civic practices. According to the organizers, this initiative is part of the Presidential Initiative for Food Self-Sufficiency, which aims to strengthen the capacities of populations and promote the local transformation of agricultural resources.

Through this training, these agricultural VDPs (Volunteers for the Development of Agriculture) intend to play a community liaison role in disseminating knowledge and building a more dynamic and resilient local economy.