Ouagadougou — Dr. Alice Gisèle Sidibé/Anago, Permanent Secretary of the presidential initiative, emphasized the critical role of agricultural production in ensuring a quality meal for every school-aged child in Burkina Faso. The initiative was discussed in detail during the first ordinary session of the technical consultation framework of the presidential initiative on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the presidential initiative hinges on enhancing food self-sufficiency as a fundamental aspect of providing balanced daily meals to school-aged children. She highlighted recent governmental actions aimed at achieving this goal, including the distribution of significant agricultural equipment to farmers as part of the 2023-2025 agricultural offensive. This strategy is intended to lead the country towards food sovereignty, deemed essential for the initiative’s success.

The policy, benefiting from the collaborative efforts of over 14 ministries and institutions, is designed to improve the food and nutritional situation of school-age children and the income of vulnerable households. Dr. Sidibé/Anago also pointed out the initiative's goals to enhance food availability, supply school canteens, and improve governance in these areas.

Acknowledging the support of technical and financial partners, Dr. Sidibé stressed the initiative's endogenous approach, aiming to utilize the country’s own resources to ensure daily meals for Burkinabè schoolchildren, while also seeking support from external partners.