In a significant move to bolster food sovereignty, stakeholders in the Burkinabè aquaculture industry gathered in Ouagadougou on June 8 to finalize a suite of strategic documents. This new framework, which includes a comprehensive sector diagnostic, an investment roadmap, and a practical operational guide, is designed to steer both government policy and private capital toward sustainable fish farming.
A regional vision for resilience
This initiative is a core component of the Sahel RESILAND regional program. The project focuses on building resilience across Sahelian landscapes and for the communities that inhabit them. By prioritizing sustainable land and water management and restoring fragile ecosystems, the program seeks to diversify rural economies, create jobs, and elevate the standard of living for local populations.
The Africa Sustainable Aquaculture initiative
A central pillar of this strategy is the development of localized knowledge to inform public policy and future interventions. This is being spearheaded by the Africa Sustainable Aquaculture initiative, which spans several nations including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Tchad. The goal is to produce detailed national assessments and establish clear investment paths that ensure the long-term viability of the aquaculture industry.
The recent findings provide a fresh look at the state of fish farming in Burkina Faso, highlighting its immense potential alongside existing structural challenges. The newly developed investment path outlines strategic priorities, funding requirements, and implementation strategies, while the operational guide offers a clear path for project developers in both the public and private spheres.
Driving the agropastoral offensive
During the proceedings, Issiaka Zouri, a senior official at the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal and Fishery Resources, praised the collaborative effort of all involved parties. He emphasized that these new tools align perfectly with the nation’s broader “Agropastoral and Fisheries Offensive,” which aims to dramatically scale up animal and aquatic production.
Burkina Faso possesses significant water resources and an underwater potential that remains largely untapped. By implementing these strategic guidelines, the country aims to formalize the industry, increase domestic fish yields, and enhance nutritional security. Furthermore, this transformation is expected to generate fresh economic prospects, particularly for women and young entrepreneurs across the nation.
