Burkina Faso allocates US$23.6M to strengthen agricultural irrigation, storage in 2025

BURKINA FASO – The Steering Committee of Burkina Faso’s West Africa Food System Resilience Program (PRSA-BF) plans to release US$23.6 million for various agricultural projects in 2025. 

This was revealed in a press release published on Sunday, January 5, via the Ministry of Agriculture’s Facebook page.

Moussa Zida, chair of the PRSA-BF steering committee, detailed that the funds will target initiatives such as expanding irrigated farming areas, developing lowland regions, creating market gardens, and building storage facilities. 

The goal is to enhance irrigation and storage infrastructure, essential for improving agricultural productivity in the country.

Data from Burkina Faso indicates significant potential for agricultural development, with approximately 500,000 hectares of lowlands and over 233,500 hectares of irrigable land suitable for rice cultivation. 

However, current utilization remains low, with only 10% of lowlands and less than 5% of irrigable land developed, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

This program aligns with Burkina Faso’s “Agropastoral and Fisheries Offensive 2023-2025,” the government’s primary agricultural development initiative.

The government has also approved a 5% increase in the budget allocated to rural development for 2025, signaling its commitment to addressing challenges in the sector.

Launched in 2022 by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the PRSA is supported by financial contributions from international partners, including the World Bank. 

The initiative seeks to improve the resilience of agricultural systems across West Africa.

Agriculture is critical to Burkina Faso’s economy, providing employment for approximately 80% of the population and contributing about a third of the country’s GDP. 

Despite its importance, food insecurity remains a persistent issue, with an estimated 20% of the population lacking sufficient food.

The nation’s reliance on rain-fed agriculture leaves it vulnerable to climate-related challenges, which affect production stability. 

Through regional programs like the PRSA-BF, the government aims to mitigate these risks and support farmers’ capacity to withstand environmental pressures.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.