Dano: One hundred and forty Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) specializing in agriculture have completed their training in Dano, Ioba Province, following a 60-day course focused on agricultural and livestock production techniques. This training is part of the Presidential Initiative for Agricultural Production and Food Self-Sufficiency (IP-P3A).
According to Burkina Information Agency, the graduation ceremony included a visit to the demonstration plots cultivated by the trainees. Participants were able to observe the diversity of crops grown and the skills acquired by the beneficiaries in several agricultural sectors. The 140 VDPs (Volunteers for the Development of Rural Development), including 18 girls and 122 boys, were introduced to techniques designed to improve yields and promote sustainable land use.
The Dreyer Green Industries and Environment (DRIVE) Sarl training center implemented a program combining agriculture, livestock farming, and sustainable natural resource management. Several crops were cultivated, including maize, rice, wheat, cowpeas, soybeans, and sesame. Trainees also experimented with potato cultivation, a crop still relatively uncommon in some areas of Burkina Faso.
The training also covered innovative practices aimed at boosting agricultural productivity. The VDPs learned to produce “maralfalfa,” a forage plant used in livestock feed. They were also trained in the production of “bokashi,” an organic compost made from husked rice residue.
The beneficiaries were also trained in water and soil conservation techniques, including the za method, half-moon terraces, and stone bunds. This agricultural knowledge was complemented by practical modules on poultry farming and fish farming, within an integrated production approach.
According to the training program’s educational director, Abdoulaye Ou©draogo, all 13 projects included in the program were successfully completed. He indicated that all participants were evaluated at the end of the training. “The mission from the National Office for Major Projects of Burkina Faso greatly appreciated the work done by the training team,” he stated.
On behalf of the participants, Josu© Bay© praised the enriching training and expressed his gratitude to the instructors and authorities for their support. For VDP Joseph Bicaba, this experience allowed him to discover new agricultural opportunities and strengthen his skills for future entrepreneurial ventures.
The managing director of DRIVE Sarl, Abdoul Rahim Gansor©, emphasized that these young people will be tasked with contributing to national agricultural production and the country’s food security. He also thanked the technical services, administrative authorities, and security forces for their support.
The High Commissioner of Ioba Province, Innocents Ouattara, congratulated the instructors on the quality of the training provided. He encouraged the agricultural volunteers to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice in order to become exemplary producers and contribute to achieving food self-sufficiency. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to the best trainees, groups, and municipalities.