Bittou: The Bittou departmental environmental service has been organizing a practical training session on nursery techniques for the benefit of agricultural VDPs, committed to achieving agricultural sovereignty, since the beginning of April 2026, AIB has observed.

According to Burkina Information Agency, this initiative is part of a continuing capacity-building program launched by the highest authorities in the country, through a two-month theoretical and practical training course already completed by the beneficiaries. The objective of this new session is to consolidate the skills acquired by the VDP (Volunteers for the Development of Plant Production) by focusing on mastering the technical skills related to plant production.

According to Lieutenant Kidwend Sida Constantin Zongnaba of the Water and Forestry Department, head of the Bittou Departmental Environment Service, this training addresses a need expressed by the trainees themselves. "After discussions with the volunteers following their training, we deemed it necessary to invite them to practical sessions to reinforce their mastery of nursery techniques, especially during this period of intense activity, from the creation to the maintenance of seedlings," he explained.

During the session, participants were trained on several essential aspects, including preparing the seed packets, sowing seeds, watering, and caring for seedlings. These skills are considered crucial for improving seedling production and supporting reforestation efforts in the community.

Faced with a shortage of seedlings in the area, Mr. Zongnaba appealed to the residents of Bittou to become more involved in planting and caring for trees. He emphasized the need for collective action to restore the vegetation cover.

For his part, Ali Zampaligre, the delegate for the agricultural Volunteers for the DRC (Volunteers for the Defense of the Rights of the People) in the Bittou commune, welcomed the presidential initiative and the commitment of local environmental officials. He expressed his gratitude for this opportunity to strengthen the practical skills of the volunteers.

However, Mr. Zampaligre noted some difficulties faced by the Volunteers, particularly the lack of water for irrigating the seedlings, a major challenge during this period of intense heat.