Part Three: Agriculture
Under previous governments, foreign companies bought or were given huge tracts of rich agricultural land as compensation or debt repayment for loans taken by the government. These lands were left idle, simply retained as land banks for these foreign entities.
The result was disastrous for the people. Many were forced to move to towns and cities to seek jobs, resulting in greater dependency and poverty. At the same time, it forced the country to import huge amounts of food at much higher costs, a loss for the country—food that could have been produced locally.
After Captain Ibrahim Traoré took over, he prioritized agricultural revival and food self-sufficiency as his main goal. His outlook was that if the country truly wanted to be independent and resilient, it had to be self-sufficient in food, as it was the backbone of the economy. Only then could the country grow and develop.
In line with his goals, he encouraged and expanded the amount of land under agriculture.
The first phase was rudimentary, as there were few qualified agricultural experts to guide them. This did not stop the momentum. Simple irrigation systems were introduced, followed by drone irrigation and then a more comprehensive and regular water supply for household needs and farms.
How was this achieved? Two systems came into play:
- Harvesting water from night winds using simple but innovative methods.
- Drilling deep bore wells into subterranean water basins, 100 to 150 feet down.
The best part was that it was carried out by local engineers, surprising the French and other European nations, who had always looked down on locals, falsely assuming them incapable. The results spoke for themselves.
To encourage farmers, the government supplied them with better seeds, fertilizers, and follow-through guidance. These were quality seeds—not genetically modified, unlike some seeds sent from overseas—making them safer for consumers.
Another step was expanding the scope and range of crops and fruit plants grown. For example, the French deliberately prevented locals from cultivating certain crops like wheat, cocoa, avocado, and certain spices, claiming they could not be grown in Burkina Faso.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré destroyed this misconception. He introduced and encouraged the cultivation of these crops and others.
The result was astonishing. Wheat could be cultivated in Burkina Faso without any problem. An initial 10 acres produced 2 tonnes of wheat per acre—a remarkable success. This encouraged the government to increase wheat cultivation to 100 acres, with stunning expected results.
Likewise, there was a surge in production of many established and newly introduced crops, with increases ranging from 18% to 35% compared to previous figures—all achieved within two years.
To help farmers, the government bought hundreds of tractors, excavators, and other agricultural machines, distributing them free of charge. It also supplied bicycles and motorbikes to make it easier for farmers to transport produce to markets.
To further assist them, he began building roads into rural areas—a godsend for farmers.
Several agricultural schools were set up to help farmers gain better skills and entrepreneurial empowerment.
An even more dynamic policy took the world by surprise—audacious and brilliant:
- Soldiers were encouraged to work closely with farmers, fostering unity and understanding. They helped on farms whenever possible.
- Prisoners were given the choice to work on farms in exchange for reduced sentences and earnings. They were also trained in farming skills and business opportunities for post-release life, supported by the government.
Many prisoners took up this offer, contributing to the success of farms and fruit plantations.
As a result, the country earned millions in revenue and saved millions more by reducing food imports. In many fields, the country is reaching self-sufficiency and is now even exporting surplus stocks—a remarkable achievement within two years!
© Vijaya Ratnam
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