The sun has barely risen over the plains of Koudougou, and already, the bent silhouettes of farmers are busy in the fields. Here, in the heart of Burkina Faso, family farms perpetuate ancestral gestures passed down from generation to generation. But behind the beauty of this morning routine lies a more complex reality: are these farms ready to face the upheavals of the 21st century?
A pillar of the rural economy
In Burkina Faso, more than 80% of the population lives in rural areas, and agriculture accounts for approximately 30% of gross domestic product. The vast majority of farms are family-run, often small in size, with less than two hectares cultivated per household.
“My father farmed this land, and today it is my turn,” says Issa, 46, a farmer near Ziniaré. “But the seasons are no longer the same, and yields are declining.”
These farms ensure the food security of millions of Burkinabè. They mainly produce maize, millet, sorghum and vegetables, while raising a few head of livestock. But their role goes far beyond simple production: they are the beating heart of rural communities, the foundation of traditions, and a bulwark against the mass exodus to cities.
Increasingly pressing environmental challenges
The climate is changing, and Burkinabè farmers feel it every day. The rainy season has become unpredictable, droughts more frequent, and soils are becoming depleted.
“Before, we knew when to plant. Now, we have to guess,” confides Awa, a 32-year-old farmer from the central plateau. “Last year, I lost my entire cowpea harvest because of a late rain.”
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, cereal yields have fallen by an average of 15% over the past ten years. The desertification phenomenon, which affects nearly 34% of the territory, is making the situation worse. And solutions remain limited for farmers who lack the technical and financial means.
A youth in search of new benchmarks
Young rural people, faced with economic uncertainty and difficult living conditions, are increasingly leaving the countryside. Some head to Ouagadougou or Bobo-Dioulasso, others to neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire or Ghana.
“My son is 19. He doesn’t want to take over the farm. He says there’s no future here,” sighs Moussa, a farmer from the Sahel region. “He dreams of becoming a mechanic in the city.”
This flight of young people poses a major problem for the succession of family farms. According to a FAO study, 60% of Burkinabè farm operators are over 50 years old. Without a generational transition, the fragile balance of family farming could collapse.
Local initiatives to reinvent the model
Yet hope is not lost. In several regions of the country, initiatives are emerging to revitalize family farming. In Tenkodogo, the association “Faso Agro Jeunes” trains young people in agroecology and sustainable land management.
“We teach them to farm without destroying nature, to use local seeds, and to market products at local markets,” explains Mariam Sanou, program coordinator. “Many discover that one can live decently from the land.”
Other projects rely on technology: drip irrigation, mobile apps to track the weather, digital direct-sales platforms. These modern tools, accessible even with a simple phone, restore autonomy to small producers.
The crucial role of women in resilience
In family farms, women play a central role, though often underestimated. They carry out the majority of agricultural work, handle market gardening, product processing and household resource management.
“Without women, there would be no food in the villages,” says Salimata, president of a women’s cooperative in Dédougou. “But we don’t have access to land, or to credit. We have to fight twice as hard.”
Local NGOs are campaigning to strengthen women’s access to agricultural inputs, training and land ownership. Their involvement is decisive in ensuring food security and the transmission of knowledge to future generations.
Towards a rethought food sovereignty
The global food price crisis, exacerbated by conflicts and logistical disruptions, has reminded Burkina Faso of the importance of producing locally. The government launched a national food sovereignty plan in 2023 aimed at supporting family farms.
“We must rely on our own strengths,” the Minister of Agriculture declared at a forum in Ouagadougou. “This means modernizing tools, providing training, and adding value to our local products.”
But the success of this endeavour will depend on the ability to integrate family farms into a long-term vision that combines tradition and innovation, autonomy and solidarity.
As the furrows of Burkina Faso continue to trace the history of its peoples, one question remains open: will family farms be able to reinvent themselves without losing their soul?
