Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa with over 18 million people. The agricultural sector contributes 30% to the GDP and employs 85% of the workforce. Rice production is at the center of Burkina Faso’s development strategies for food security. The rice consumption of the population is steadily increasing, and approximately 47% of the demand can be covered by domestic production. Since 2010, sesame has become an important export commodity. Other important supply chains are millet and sorghum, maize, sugar cane, cashew nuts and shea. As the main export until 2009, cotton played a special role in the economy of the country. This supply chain continues to be important. The promotion of organic cotton production from 2004 to 2011 led to rising employment figures and higher incomes for workers. The national diet is heavily reliant on starchy staples, and supply of animal protein remains low at 50 g/caput/day. Under and overnutrition coexist in Burkina Faso, and micronutrient deficiencies particularly affect women and children
Read the full PARI country dossier here, and read the country innovation study on the status of agricultural innovations, innovation platforms and innovation investments in Burkina Faso here.
Agricultural Typology of Burkina Faso:
