The Burkina Faso government has reported a significant increase in cereal production over the past two years. According to data presented by Minister of State for Agriculture, Water, Animal and Fisheries Resources, Commandant Ismaël Sombié, the country's cereal production rose from 4.66 million tonnes to 7.14 million tonnes in 2025. This represents a 53% increase and 124% of the country's cereal needs.
The increase in production is attributed to efforts made since 2023 to boost agricultural output. The government's Agropastoral and Fisheries Offensive, launched in 2023, aims to enhance food security and reduce dependence on imports. In 2022, Burkina Faso faced a food security crisis, with 19.2% of the population experiencing undernourishment and spending 148.5 billion FCFA on rice and wheat imports.
Key crops have seen significant production increases. Rice paddy production exceeded one million tonnes for the first time, reaching 1,008,737 tonnes in 2025. Maize production stood at 2,686,531 tonnes. These gains were supported by investments in irrigation, water management, mechanization, and input supply.
The government has made substantial investments in agricultural infrastructure. Between 2023 and 2025, 11,774 hectares of irrigated perimeters and 41,275 hectares of lowlands were developed, while 120,158 hectares were plowed. These efforts aim to sustainably increase production and improve food security.
To consolidate the gains, the government plans to develop storage and processing infrastructure to link production to markets and consumption. The strategy involves structuring a value chain from production to consumption, including collection, storage, and processing. Currently, the country has 418 storage facilities, 11 cold chambers, and 63 processing units.
The government aims to maintain cereal production at 120% of national needs. For 2026-2028, the Agropastoral and Fisheries Offensive plans to build on these achievements, with a budget of 839.99 billion FCFA. The plan includes developing 100,000 hectares of lowlands and 50,000 hectares of irrigated perimeters, as well as constructing five new strategic dams.
The increased production has led to improved food security, with over 350,000 tonnes of cereals purchased during the 2025-2026 campaign. The country's strategic food reserves now exceed 380,000 tonnes, providing a buffer against future shortages and helping to regulate the market.
Key points
- The country's cereal production has increased by 53% over two years, reaching 7.14 million tonnes in 2025.
- The government has invested heavily in agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation and storage facilities.
- The country aims to maintain cereal production at 120% of national needs through the 2026-2028 Agropastoral and Fisheries Offensive.
