The Burkinabé government's Presidential Initiative for Agricultural Production and Food Self-Sufficiency (IP-P3A) has trained 100 young people and members of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) in fish farming. The training, which took place from September 27 to October 1, 2026, aimed to equip participants with the skills needed to launch their own fish farming activities. The initiative is part of the government's efforts to strengthen the economic and food resilience of the population, particularly among young people.
The training covered various modules, including the principles of soil-free fish farming, planning, management, and exploitation of a fish farm, as well as simplified management of a microenterprise. Each participant developed an operational action plan to facilitate the implementation of the skills acquired during the session. The initiative is one of the four components of the IP-P3A, which focuses on training young people in fish farming techniques.
According to Inoussa Ouédraogo, technical coordinator of the Presidential Initiative, the training is unique in that it brings together not only civilians and agricultural volunteers but also members of the FDS. The initiative goes beyond training, as participants will receive 20 cubic meter soil-free fish farming tanks, as well as subsidized fish feed and access to networking with other farmers.
The training is part of a larger effort to achieve food self-sufficiency in Burkina Faso. The initiative aims to install 13,000 Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) in fish farming in the long term. The program has already been implemented in Bobo-Dioulasso and is now being rolled out in Ouagadougou.
Participants in the training have expressed their commitment to applying the skills acquired. Adjutant Abdoul Bassirou Kaboré, one of the trainees, said that the training had provided him with technical knowledge on fish feeding, basin management, and monitoring of fish growth. He promised to implement the skills acquired to contribute to food self-sufficiency.
The Presidential Initiative for Agricultural Production and Food Self-Sufficiency was established to strengthen the economic and food resilience of the Burkinabé population. The initiative is part of the government's efforts to implement the vision of President Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who aims to enable every Burkinabé to live with dignity from their activities.
The IP-P3A has previously trained other groups, including 3,013 VDP agricultural specialists. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on food security and the economy in Burkina Faso.
Key points
- The Burkinabé government has trained 100 young people and FDS members in fish farming as part of its efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency.
- The training is part of a larger initiative to install 13,000 VDP in fish farming and boost food security in the country.
- The program provides participants with not only training but also access to subsidized resources and networking opportunities.
