Ouagadougou: Governor of the Center-West region, Adama Jean Yves B©r©, led a comprehensive delegation to the Soum dam, emphasizing its potential role in enhancing Burkina Faso's food sovereignty, as noted by AIB.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the visit was aimed at evaluating the mid-term results of agricultural producers and exploring the dam's potential for agro-pastoral and fishing activities. The regional director in charge of agriculture, Antoine Zorma, emphasized that the Soum Dam, constructed between 2003 and 2012, is pivotal in transforming the region into an economic growth hub and significantly contributing to the nation's food sovereignty.
Despite initial operational hurdles, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Resources and Fisheries (MARAH) is accelerating the dam's potential, taking cues from the successes of Bagr© and Samendeni. Early production data is promising, with 105 hectares of wheat sown by 229 producers, expected to yield 105 tonnes between December 2024 and April 2025. For rice, 487 hectares are planted by 974 producers, with an anticipated production of 1,461 tonnes from February to June, using the TS2 variety.
The fish farming sector is equally promising, with 60 cages installed as of May 2025, 34 of which are stocked with 328,500 fry. Governor B©r© urged regional stakeholders to harness the underutilized fishing potential, highlighting floating cage production as a solution to food security and job creation challenges.
Nonetheless, challenges persist, as noted by Naba Tigr©, Chief of Soum village. While appreciating state support for the project and plot allocation, he cited water supply issues during dry seasons and the need for producers to make additional arrangements. In fish farming, despite being a promoter, Tigr© pointed to the lack of initial state support, necessitating self-initiated ventures. The local fish feed quality and limited availability also hinder rapid business expansion.
"We are willing to progress, but real support is essential," Tigr© emphasized, urging the minister to witness the challenges firsthand and facilitate solutions. Despite these challenges, local stakeholders remain determined, with a shared goal of achieving food sovereignty. As Tigr© concluded, "a hungry man is not a free man," underscoring the aspiration for economic freedom through full exploitation of the Soum dam.
Governor B©r© expressed optimism that collective commitment will significantly advance the Centre-West region's contribution to national objectives. The Soum dam, with a capacity of 155 million cubic meters, stands as Burkina Faso's fourth-largest water body. The current dry season already showcases its development potential, with the Soum irrigated area, developed in 2021, spanning 1,008 hectares-868 for cereals and 140 for market gardening-benefiting 1,252 and 341 producers, respectively.