Bam: The High Commissioner of Bam Province, Karim Ou©draogo, representing the Minister in charge of Family and Solidarity, Lieutenant-Colonel Passowend© P©lagie Kabr©, officially launched the 72-hour 3rd edition of the Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) Fair in Kongoussi on Friday, an initiative aimed at promoting local processing and the economic empowerment of the population.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the NTFP Fair was initiated in 2024 by the Waa-Manegba Simplified Cooperative Societies for Soumbala Production in Kongoussi and L¨ve-Toi for Moringa Processing. Its aim is to strengthen the processing and marketing of non-timber forest products while promoting the economic empowerment of stakeholders, particularly women and youth. Over the course of three days, exhibitors from various sectors present their products and share experiences, fostering exchange and promotion of local expertise.
Karim Ou©draogo praised the initiative for its role in showcasing local resources and the community's ability to transform and enhance them. He expressed support for stakeholders, assuring them of the availability of necessary support structures. Ou©draogo emphasized the importance of solidarity and organization among producers to overcome challenges and improve living conditions. He highlighted the processing of non-timber forest products as a significant opportunity for poverty alleviation and income generation, urging faith in local potential.
The president of the Wa Manegba cooperative for the promotion of soumbala, Ms. Kady Dabal/Tao, conveyed that the third edition aims to bolster local transformation and the economic empowerment of women and youth, while also fostering social cohesion. The fair seeks to create a platform for exchange, discovery, promotion, and experience sharing among actors in the non-timber forest products sector.
Exhibitor Awa Diallo/Band© expressed her enthusiasm for the fair, presenting products such as juices, yogurt, and gapal made from non-timber forest products, viewing the event as a substantial business opportunity. Additionally, participants attended a public lecture by Aly Komi on non-timber forest products and enjoyed a fashion show featuring a representative from Path©'O.