The Ministry of Defense in Burkina Faso has initiated a training program aimed at helping 93 retired military personnel and forestry agents transition into careers in agropastoralism. The program, which kicked off on November 3, 2026, at the Guillaume Ouédraogo camp in Ouagadougou, is part of a broader initiative launched in 2013 to support retired military personnel in finding new careers.
The training program, which will run for three weeks, will be conducted in two locations: Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. The 93 participants, comprising 83 military personnel and 10 forestry agents, will receive instruction on various aspects of agriculture and animal husbandry. The training is designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to establish successful agropastoral enterprises.
The training modules, developed by CID Ingénierie, will cover topics such as production techniques adapted to Burkina Faso's agroecological conditions, soil preparation, and fertilizer management. Participants will also learn about the principles of animal husbandry, animal nutrition, hygiene, disease prevention, and economic management of agricultural and livestock enterprises.
At the launch of the program, Intendant Colonel-major Yamba Léonard Ouoba, Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense, emphasized the importance of the training in supporting the transition of retired military personnel into new careers. He encouraged the participants to leverage their skills and experience to become successful agropastoral producers and contribute to the country's food security efforts.
Alassane Guiré, Director of Cabinet at the Ministry of Agriculture, who is the sponsor of the program, highlighted the significance of the partnership between the Ministries of Agriculture and Defense in supporting the transition of military personnel into agropastoral careers. He noted that the program aims to support at least 1,000 military personnel over a five-year period and provide them with the necessary skills and resources to establish successful enterprises.
As part of the program, the Ministry of Agriculture will provide training and support to the participants, including assistance with installation, organization into cooperatives, and access to financing, land, and water resources. The Ministry has also provided 12 tons of agricultural inputs, including fertilizers and animal feed, to support the participants in their new ventures.
Since its inception, the military transition program has supported 974 military personnel in finding employment and trained 1,529 others in agriculture, animal husbandry, and business management. The program has also provided loans totaling 586,191,000 F CFA to 236 military personnel to support the financing of their projects.
Key points
- The program aims to support at least 1,000 military personnel over a five-year period.
- The training program will equip participants with skills in agriculture and animal husbandry.
- The Ministry of Agriculture will provide support to participants, including access to financing, land, and water resources.
