🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Burkina Faso agricultural research aims to ensure all producers benefit from new technologies
via Lefaso.net9 min read
Daouda Zongo, director of research-development extension at Burkina Faso's Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted efforts to bring agricultural innovations to all producers, including those in remote areas. The goal is to enhance productivity and food security through widespread adoption of these technologies. The directorate focuses on strengthening the capacities of agricultural extension and advisory actors, promoting good agricultural practices, and fostering research-development. Key innovations include improved seeds for crops like millet, rice, and groundnuts, which can boost yields by up to 40%. New fertilizer formulations specific to maize and rice are also being promoted as part of the agro-pastoral and fisheries offensive. Other technologies include the intensive rice farming system, which is water-efficient and climate-resilient, and composting techniques like bokashi for rapid compost production. Biochar, a new technology for improving soil structure and water retention, and Polyter, a water-retaining polymer, are also being disseminated to help farmers cope with climate change. The directorate employs various approaches, such as agro-pastoral field schools, management advice for farms, and endogenous facilitators, to reach a large number of producers. They also use the SHEP approach, which encourages producers to consider market demand before production. Zongo noted two main challenges: reaching the maximum number of producers with agricultural advice and ensuring
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Prolonged sitting has emerged as a significant public health concern, according to Dr. Alassane Maïga, a public health specialist. The effects of a sedentary lifestyle at work are often overlooked but can lead to various health issues, including back pain, circulatory problems, and chronic diseases. Dr. Maïga highlighted these dangers and proposed simple solutions for maintaining daily health during a Faso Santé broadcast.
Must ReadFollowing terrorist attacks in Mali on April 25, 2026, Burkinabe civil society actor Jonas Somé called for increased vigilance from youth and all stakeholders, asserting that the dynamic initiated by the three AES leaders must continue to its conclusion. He stated that the Confederation of Sahel States AES has chosen to take control of its destiny, marking a break from decades of political, economic, security, cultural, and diplomatic dependence. This pursuit of integral sovereignty is a decisive turning point in contemporary Sahelian history. This path to emancipation faces resistance, disrupting established interests and exposing member states to renewed pressure and destabilization attempts. The resurgence of terrorist attacks in the AES region, including the recent attack in Mali that killed General Sadio Camara, Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, highlights the threats faced by the Confederation. Affirming sovereignty requires concrete capacity to control territory, secure populations, manage natural resources, and define international partnerships. AES states inherit fragile systems, including economic dependence, under-equipped armies, weak institutions, and economies dominated by raw material exports. An intense information war also manipulates perceptions to discredit sovereign efforts. The fundamental issue is control over natural resources, especially minerals, which have long benefited external interests rather than local populations. Regaining control of t
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Burkina Faso's wrestling delegation, the Étalons, received a festive and warm welcome in Ouagadougou on Monday, May 4, 2026, upon their return from the African Wrestling Championship held in Alexandria, Egypt. The team's performance, highlighted by Kévin Mossé's double medal win, generated pride and enthusiasm among the public. Mossé secured a silver medal in the African Beach Wrestling Championship in the under 90 kg category and a bronze medal in the under 92 kg category in Olympic wrestling. The Union of Étalons Supporters greeted the athletes with dances and songs at the international airport, celebrating their achievements. Kévin Mossé expressed his gratitude for the support and emphasized the need for continued hard work for future international competitions. Lieutenant of Police Ousséni Kabré, president of the Burkinabè Wrestling Federation, lauded the team's performance and expressed hope for continued support from authorities to achieve further success at upcoming events, including the World Championships and the 2028 Olympic Games. Mossé had also previously won the national wrestling championship in the over 77 kg category at the SNC 2026.