Boulgou: The prefect, president of the special delegation (PDS) of the commune of Niaogho, Karim Sana, presided over a meeting with the agricultural VDPs of the third cohort, recently trained to enhance agricultural production and support food sovereignty in Burkina Faso. This initiative is part of a national effort to boost local agricultural capabilities.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting provided an opportunity for the trained agricultural VDPs to express their gratitude for the training that bolstered their technical skills. The PDS commended the VDPs for their commitment and resilience during the training period, despite the challenges faced. He urged them to secure production land promptly to initiate agricultural activities.

Mr. Sana highlighted the significance of the VDPs’ mission in promoting the consumption of local products as part of the national policy. He emphasized that the vision of the President of Burkina Faso, to “consume what we produce and produce what we consume,” hinges on increased national production. He pointed out the pivotal role of VDPs in rice production and noted that their efforts would be closely monitored.

Adama Kouda, speaking on behalf of the agricultural VDPs, acknowledged that the training equipped them with essential knowledge and skills. Despite challenges, the VDPs remained focused and are prepared to apply their training to advance agricultural development in their community. They have established a cooperative named “Gnasskom Cooperative” to better organize production activities, following training guidelines.

Kouda also mentioned that cooperative members have engaged with customary authorities, land chiefs, and security services to inform them of their return and to seek support for settling on production sites. The meeting was characterized by open exchanges between municipal authorities and VDPs, united in their goal to enhance agricultural development and food security in Niaogho.