Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa, bordered by Mali to the north and west, Niger to the east, Benin to the southeast, and Togo, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire to the south. Covering an area of approximately 274,200 square kilometers, the country lies within the Sudanian and Sahelian ecological zones. Its landscape is predominantly characterized by gently rolling plains and low plateaus, with elevations generally ranging between 200 and 500 meters above sea level. Unlike many African countries, Burkina Faso has no major mountain ranges, although isolated hills and sandstone formations occur in certain regions. The country's principal river systems include the Black Volta (Mouhoun), White Volta (Nakambé), and Red Volta (Nazinon), which contribute to water supply, agriculture, and ecosystem functioning.
The climate of Burkina Faso is tropical and strongly influenced by the seasonal movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Three major climatic zones can be distinguished: the Sahelian zone in the north, characterized by low and irregular rainfall; the Sudan-Sahelian zone in the central region; and the relatively wetter Sudanian zone in the south. Rainfall generally occurs during a single rainy season from May or June to September, followed by a prolonged dry season. Annual precipitation decreases significantly from south to north, creating considerable regional differences in agricultural potential. Frequent droughts, variable rainfall patterns, and advancing desertification pose significant environmental challenges, particularly in northern areas.
Agriculture forms the backbone of Burkina Faso's economy and provides employment and income for the majority of the population. The sector is dominated by smallholder farming systems that rely heavily on rainfall rather than irrigation. Agricultural production is therefore highly sensitive to climatic variability and water availability. The country's soils are often nutrient-poor and susceptible to erosion, making sustainable land management an important concern for long-term productivity.
The principal food crops cultivated in Burkina Faso include sorghum, millet, maize, rice, and cowpeas. Sorghum and millet are especially important staple crops because of their adaptability to semi-arid conditions and relatively low water requirements. In the southern and central regions, maize production has expanded due to more favorable rainfall conditions. Rice cultivation occurs in irrigated areas and floodplains, while vegetables and fruits are increasingly produced near urban centers and water sources. Cotton is the country's most important cash crop and has historically been a major source of export earnings. Other commercial crops include sesame, groundnuts, and shea nuts, the latter being an important product for both domestic use and international markets.
Livestock production constitutes another essential component of the agricultural sector. Cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry are widely raised throughout the country, particularly in the drier northern regions where pastoralism and agro-pastoralism are common livelihood strategies. Livestock contributes significantly to household income, food security, and regional trade, especially through exports to neighboring West African countries.
Despite its importance, agriculture in Burkina Faso faces numerous constraints, including recurrent droughts, land degradation, limited access to agricultural inputs, insufficient infrastructure, and the impacts of climate change. Population growth has increased pressure on land resources, contributing to soil fertility decline and environmental degradation in some areas. To address these challenges, national and international development initiatives have promoted soil conservation techniques, water harvesting systems, improved crop varieties, and sustainable farming practices. Investments in irrigation and rural development programs are also aimed at increasing resilience and reducing dependence on unpredictable rainfall.
The relationship between geography and agriculture in Burkina Faso is particularly evident in the country's strong dependence on climatic conditions and natural resource availability. Variations in rainfall, soil quality, and water resources directly influence agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. Consequently, understanding Burkina Faso's geographical setting is essential for assessing both the opportunities and challenges facing its agricultural sector and broader economic development.
In June 2016 Gerold visited for 6 days the partner project of the Green Innovation Centres in Burkina Faso (Quagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso). In a training school, on rice farms, been seed companies. Very interesting, but all very basic and the agricultural sector very early.