Ouagadougou: The governor of the Liptako-Soum region, Comrade Abdoul Karim Zongo, officially launched the harvest from floating cage fish farming on Monday at the Yakouta dam, an initiative whose expected production is estimated at more than 15 tons of tilapia. This project marks a significant step towards enhancing local fish production and economic opportunities in the region.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the initiative involved 18 floating cages, stocked on February 4, 2026, with 114,000 tilapia fry in the presence of the Minister of Agriculture, Water, Animal and Fisheries Resources, Commander Isma«l Sombi. Comrade Jean de la Croix Sanou, the representative of the regional director of Animal and Fisheries Resources of Liptako, highlighted that this first experiment aimed to produce over 15 tonnes of fish, with the average weight of specimens varying from 200 to 880 grams.
Jean de la Croix Sanou attributed the successful harvest to the determination and efforts of the teams who ensured the regular feeding and monitoring of the fish, supported by technical services. He acknowledged the challenges faced, such as crocodile attacks leading to production losses, but commended the teams for maintaining their efforts to achieve the harvest.
The representative further encouraged the local population to engage in fish farming, emphasizing its profitability and economic potential. The fish is sold at 2,500 FCFA per kilogram, and the revenue from this production will be reinvested to further develop fish farming in floating cages at the Yakouta dam.
Governor Abdoul Karim Zongo expressed his satisfaction with the quality and quantity of the fish produced, stating that it reflects the authorities’ commitment to promoting local production. He extended his gratitude to President of Faso, Comrade Captain Ibrahim Traor, and Minister Isma«l Sombi for their support and vision.
Looking forward, the governor advocated for an increase in the number of floating cages at the dam, potentially expanding from 18 to 50 or even 100, to boost fish production significantly. He reaffirmed the regional administration’s commitment to supporting producers and technical services, aiming to establish the Yakouta dam as a key center for fish production in the Liptako-Soum region.