Author: Fatimata Kone

Green Revolution in Mali: The Triumph of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) Management and Valorization by Women

05 June in News by Fatimata Kone

In our weekly feature "Family Farming Gems of the Week", we highlight a real gem of sustainable development and women empowerment in Mali. In the heart of the Sikasso region, within the rural municipality of Farakala, a remarkable transformation is underway, thanks to an initiative focused on the management and valorization of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP). It is here that the women of Farakala have embraced a new era of prosperity and empowerment. They have developed activities around the production of soumbala, a typically West African product made from néré seeds, and this initiative has led to an array of impressive changes...

The Dairy Potential in West Africa: An Imperative Need for Action

02 June in News by Fatimata Kone

Ouagadougou, June 1, 2023 – On this World Milk Day, producer organizations from the local dairy sector across the fifteen countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), have come together to urge the heads of ECOWAS member states to fund national dairy action plans. The regional strategy of ECOWAS aims for a "West Africa that emerges among the dairy basins of the African continent and progressively increases its contribution to regional exchanges of community origin dairy products". However, this strategy is struggling to receive adequate funding from ECOWAS and its member states. This situation stems from unfair competition from...

Capacity Building Workshop for Local Media on Climate Information Dissemination in Burkina Faso

31 May in News by Fatimata Kone

On May 31, 2023, a workshop focusing on strengthening the capacity of local media for the dissemination of climate information was inaugurated in Koudougou by Nana Boukary from the National Meteorological Agency of Burkina Faso. This workshop, organized in collaboration with the Regional AGRHYMET Climate Center for West Africa and the Sahel (AGRHYMET CCR-AOS), aims to address a major issue. Indeed, despite the annual dissemination of agro-hydro-climatic seasonal forecasts by the National Meteorological Agency through various channels, it has been noted that the level of forecast communication in Burkina Faso and West Africa remains insufficient. To address this gap, the Agency...

Gebana in Burkina Faso: A revolution in agri-food industry and strengthening of the local producer network

29 May in News by Fatimata Kone

This week, in our "Gem of Family Farms" section, we take you to the heart of West Africa, Burkina Faso, to discover Gebana, an agri-food company that has left a significant imprint on the region's agro-industrial industry. Established in 2009 in Burkina Faso, Gebana has profoundly transformed local agricultural production and has significantly contributed to strengthening the network of producers. With production volumes reaching 1050 tons of dried mango and 405 tons of cashew nuts, Gebana is a key player in the agri-food industry in West Africa. Beyond the production of dried mangoes, Gebana has expanded its range by introducing a variety...

Successful Conclusion of the Executive Board Meeting of the Regional Consultation Framework of Rice Producers Organizations in West Africa

24 May in News by Fatimata Kone

Koubri, Burkina Faso - The Executive Board meeting of the Regional Consultation Framework of Rice Producers Organizations (RCF-RPO) in West Africa concluded successfully on May 23, 2023. This vital event brought together the members of the Executive Board and the technical team of the RCF-RPO, taking place against a backdrop marked by the finalization of the organization's third five-year plan for 2023 – 2027. This regular meeting of the governing bodies allowed for a review of the performance report for activities from January to April 2023 and the decision on necessary measures and directions for the implementation of activities from May...

The Executive Board of CRCOPR/ROPPA Meets to Strengthen Governance and Boost Rice Production in West Africa

22 May in News by Fatimata Kone

Koubri, Burkina Faso - May 22, 2023 Today marks the start of the Executive Board meeting of the West Africa Regional Consultative Framework for Rice Producers Organizations (CRCOPR), which is also affiliated with the Network of Peasant Organizations and Agricultural Producers of West Africa (ROPPA). This two-day meeting aims to strengthen the organization's governance and plan upcoming activities for the rest of 2023. This meeting is a key component of CRCOPR/ROPPA's five-year plan, which aims to improve governance by clearly defining roles and responsibilities and ensuring the regular functioning of statutory bodies. It is also an opportunity for Executive Board...

Seeder: The Ingenious Farming Tool Revolutionizing Rice Farming in Benin

22 May in News by Fatimata Kone

The wonders of peasant ingenuity are often underestimated. Today, we explore the Seeder, a revolutionary tool that has transformed rice farming in Benin. The Council for Cooperation among Rice Producers in Benin (CCR-B), established in 2006, has always had the primary mission to represent the interests of Beninese rice producers and to promote their professionalization. One of their greatest achievements is undoubtedly the introduction of the Seeder in the project to improve the productivity of rice farms in South Benin. Designed as a type of rake, the Seeder makes it easier to transplant rice seedlings, a once laborious task, as part...

“Reforming Agricultural Policies for a Sustainable Future in Africa: Reflections from the President of ROPPA, Mr. Ibrahima COULIBALY”

19 May in News by Fatimata Kone

Kigali, May 17, 2023 - During a session titled "Political Engagement and Advocacy of Peasant Organizations (OP)" organized by the Pan-African Platform of Peasant Organizations and Agricultural Producers (PAFO) as part of the FO4ACP knowledge management event, the President of the Network of Peasant Organizations and Producers of West Africa (ROPPA), Mr. Ibrahima Coulibaly, underscored the importance of improved collaboration between agricultural sector stakeholders and government institutions to enhance the lives of rural populations. "If public policies are good in favor of the rural sector, people's lives improve, poverty recedes," stated Mr. Coulibaly. "But as long as we cannot find a...

Launch of innovative projects to boost youth employment in local milk value chains in West Africa and Chad

19 May in News by Fatimata Kone

As part of the Regional Support Program for Farmers' Professional Organizations (PRAOP-3), a capacity-building workshop took place from May 8 to 11 in Lomé, at the Hotel du 2 Février. The event marked the official launch of 23 field projects aimed at promoting youth employment in local milk value chains in West Africa and Chad. West Africa is characterized by a young and mobile population, whose migratory flows are fueled by poverty, climate change, and insecurity. Most of these young people struggle to find decent and well-paid employment, particularly in the West African rural economy, which is primarily structured around...

THE REVOLUTION OF POTATO CONSERVATION IN NIGER: A MAJOR ADVANCEMENT IN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

19 May in News by Fatimata Kone

On the occasion of the "Knowledge Management in the context of FO4ACP" event taking place in Kigali from May 16 to 18, 2023, the Peasant Horticultural Cooperative Confederation of Niger (C.C.P.H.N) from the Peasant Platform of Niger (PFPN), a member of the Network of Peasant Organizations and Agricultural Producers of West Africa (ROPPA), presents an innovative initiative that is transforming the way Niger stores, conserves, and markets potatoes. In a country where potatoes are traditionally produced between November and February, this initiative aims to extend the availability of local potatoes from 3-4 months to 8-9 months per year, a revolution...