UNOPS (UNOPS Official Website) is working with the government of Burkina Faso under a World Bank (World Bank Official Website)-financed initiative to strengthen food system resilience and advance agricultural modernization. The effort is part of the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme, which aims to improve food security and build long-term self-sufficiency in the region.
Agriculture remains a central pillar of Burkina Faso’s economy, but recurring droughts and crop failures have significantly disrupted production in recent years. These challenges have contributed to widespread food insecurity, affecting an estimated 2.7 million people and placing pressure on rural livelihoods and national supply systems.
To address these issues, UNOPS is supporting the government in strengthening institutional capacity and improving service delivery to farmers. A key component of the initiative includes the procurement and distribution of 190 motorcycles for the Ministry of Agriculture. These vehicles are intended to enhance the mobility of field agents, enabling them to reach remote communities more efficiently.
Improved mobility is expected to strengthen agricultural extension services, allowing field agents to provide better technical guidance, promote climate-resilient farming practices, and enhance monitoring of agricultural activities. This is designed to improve implementation of agricultural policies while increasing support for smallholder farmers in underserved areas.
The programme reflects a broader push toward food system sovereignty in Burkina Faso, focusing on reducing vulnerability to climate shocks and improving national capacity to manage agricultural production. By combining international financing with local implementation, the initiative aims to build a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector capable of supporting long-term food security.
