Orodara: The Secretary General of the Kenedougou Province, Bassanma Ko, presided over a provincial forum as part of the regional week of living together, focusing on the province's contribution to the agricultural, livestock, and fisheries initiative.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this meeting in Orodara centered on the involvement of key stakeholders in implementing the agropastoral and fisheries offensive and reducing conflicts to ensure its success. The provincial director of Agriculture, Gassi Lougue, presented the main elements of the offensive and highlighted the government's expectations from local actors. He emphasized Kenedougou's agricultural and pastoral potential, aiming to boost production, secure value chains, strengthen family farms' resilience, and promote food self-sufficiency.
Mr. Lougue underlined the necessity for collaboration among producers, associations, and technical services to adopt modern production techniques, develop lowlands, improve livestock genetics, and promote fishery products. He stressed the importance of community mobilization to leverage Kenedougou's potential as a catalyst for regional economic development.
The second presentation by Secretary General Bassanma Ko addressed conflict reduction within the offensive's framework. He reviewed conflicts in Kenedougou and the broader Guiriko region, citing tensions around land access, land management, animal passage, and misunderstandings among farmers, herders, and fishermen. These disputes threaten social cohesion and development efforts.
Mr. Ko emphasized the need to enhance local dialogue, mediation, and early warning mechanisms. He urged the community to prioritize consultation, tolerance, and mutual respect to foster an environment conducive to agricultural, pastoral, and fishing production.
Participants engaged with clarifying questions and contributions to bolster community ownership of the offensive. The Secretary General praised the discussions' quality and reaffirmed the authorities' commitment to supporting local initiatives within the Regional Week of Living Together.