Dori: The Sahel Regional Food Security Council (CRSA) convened its first general assembly of the year in Dori, focusing on revitalizing agro-forestry and pastoral production in challenging areas. The assembly was held under the theme “Intensification of agro-sylvo-pastoral production in hard-to-reach areas: what intervention strategies?” It aimed to assess the current food and nutritional situation in the region, evaluate previous actions, and propose new strategies to enhance the resilience of local populations.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting, chaired by Adama Koussoube, High Commissioner of Yagha Province, gathered institutional and technical stakeholders alongside partners from the agricultural sector. Discussions centered around the critical issues of food security and how the ongoing security situation is impacting agricultural production in the region.
The Sahel Regional Director of Agriculture, Animal Resources and Fisheries, Abidias Ye, highlighted the session’s role in reviewing the execution of past recommendations. Ye noted that despite security challenges, several recommendations were successfully implemented. Key achievements included the provision of 13 tonnes of fodder seeds to enhance animal production and the promotion of the marafarfa plant, known for its nutritional and fodder benefits.
Efforts also encompassed the supply of improved seeds, drilling of boreholes and vegetable patches, and free ploughing services facilitated by eight tractors. These initiatives have collectively boosted productivity and food security in various localities. However, Ye emphasized the need for continued interventions to solidify and expand these gains to currently inaccessible areas.
The CRSA assembly put forth several recommendations, such as reclaiming national territories to unlock production zones and securing essential transport routes like national road no. 3 for mobility and input distribution. Participants advocated for livestock protection, greater community involvement in development projects, and assigning high-flow borehole construction to military engineers for sensitive areas.
Adama Koussoube called on stakeholders to commit to these recommendations, ensuring sustainable food security in the Sahel. He urged technical and financial partners to tailor their support to the region’s security and climatic conditions. Koussoube also acknowledged the resilience of the local population and expressed his gratitude to Save the Children for financially supporting the session.
The CRSA’s inaugural assembly of the year delivered an optimistic review of past efforts and paved the way for future initiatives aimed at bolstering food security and community resilience. Participants departed with a renewed dedication to advancing agro-forestry, pastoral production, and collaborative governance to address the region’s complex challenges.