The Garde Républicaine (GR) of Burkina Faso has successfully harvested its first pisciculture production at Camp Naaba-Koom II, aligning with the country's vision of food sovereignty under President Captain Ibrahim TRAORÉ. On October 8, 2026, the GR conducted the harvest, marking a significant milestone in the nation's quest for self-sufficiency. The project was initiated to boost domestic food production and features two pisciculture basins with a capacity of 80 m³ each.
The initiative was made possible through the support of the Bureau National des Grands Projets du Burkina and technical assistance from the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture. A total of 5,000 fingerlings of African catfish were stocked in the two basins, with 2,000 in the first and 3,000 in the second. After approximately seven months of care and feeding, the harvest was conducted, showcasing the potential for pisciculture in the country.
The success of the harvest was celebrated by the Commandant of the Garde Républicaine, Chef de Bataillon Jean OUIYA, who emphasized that the project symbolizes President Captain Ibrahim TRAORÉ's vision of making Burkina Faso a sovereign state in all domains, particularly in agriculture and livestock. The pisciculture project is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Beyond addressing food needs, the initiative has a social and humanitarian dimension. According to Dr. Abdourasmane KONATÉ, Minister Counselor to the President and Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Agricultural Production and Food Self-Sufficiency (IP-P3A), the project aims to provide opportunities for wounded soldiers and invalids to engage in production activities.
The harvested fish have reached an average weight of 3.5 kg, and the production is primarily intended for internal consumption. To ensure the sustainability and conservation of the harvest, the production unit has been equipped with a smoking facility capable of processing 200 kg per day.
This pisciculture project is part of a larger program aimed at promoting agricultural production and food self-sufficiency. The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture plans to expand pisciculture activities to other military units, providing training and equipment to support the initiative.
The successful harvest at Camp Naaba-Koom II demonstrates the commitment of the Burkinabè army to contribute to the country's food production efforts and serve as a model for food self-sufficiency. The project is expected to be replicated in other military units, with 13 casernes already involved in livestock projects.
Key points
- The Garde Républicaine's pisciculture project is a significant step towards achieving food sovereignty in Burkina Faso.
- The project provides opportunities for wounded soldiers and invalids to engage in production activities.
- The initiative is expected to be expanded to other military units, promoting pisciculture and food self-sufficiency nationwide.
