Ouahigouya: The first edition of the Regional Agriculture, Environment and Livestock Show (SRAEL) is set to take place from May 1 to 4, 2025, in Ouahigouya, located in the North region. This event aims to celebrate the resilience of local populations and educate current generations about the sacrifices made by their predecessors to adapt to challenging environmental conditions, announced Issouf Traor©, the president of the organizing committee.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the northern region faces challenging climatic conditions which complicate surface water management and shorten the agricultural production period. Despite these difficulties, the local population has managed to overcome these adversities by cultivating crops that have gained national and international recognition.
The decision to host the first edition of SRAEL in this region underscores the theme, “Contribution of rural stakeholders in the Northern region and the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) to food sovereignty and the agro-pastoral and fisheries offensive.” “These are producers who are resilient, trying to adapt despite the lack of total control over surface water and a short rainy season,” Mr. Traor© remarked.
He highlighted the local population’s significant investment in off-season production, noting that producers in the area manage to produce at least two crops annually, serving as a model worth promoting.
The initiative for regional intermediate shows stemmed from the 7th International Agriculture, Livestock and Environment Show (SIAEL) in 2024, a biennial event where rural stakeholders expressed the necessity for such events. The Association for the Development of the Rural World (ADMR), with support from its partners, has committed to organizing these regional trade fairs to better prepare stakeholders for SIAEL.
SRAEL will rotate among Burkina Faso’s regions between SIAEL editions, bringing the international exhibition closer to local stakeholders. This first edition will honor several significant figures in rural development, including Dr. Bernard L©d©a Ou©draogo, Yacouba Sawadogo, and President Salif Diallo.
Mr. Traor© emphasized the importance of recognizing these figures, stating, “It is possible when there is the will. We have observed this will within the population of the Northern region and among certain initiators of major projects.”
The Association for the Development of the Rural World (ADMR), a non-profit and apolitical organization, sponsors both SIAEL and SRAEL. It is committed to promoting the well-being of rural populations.