Laye, Burkina Faso — The French non-governmental organization Secours populaire français (SPF) provided significant agricultural support to the Laye Peasant Association (APL) in Kourweogo province on Saturday, May 18, 2024, donating equipment valued at 14 million CFA francs.

According to Burkina Information Agency, a representative of the SPF and a native of the commune, the donation included two tractors and various field development tools. Zongo commended the government and local authorities for their help in facilitating the donation process. He also acknowledged the National Society for Land Development and Rural Equipment (SONATER) and the administrative authorities of the province for their support in implementing the project.

Zongo explained that this donation is part of a broader strategy by SPF to support the local population in becoming more self-reliant in food production. This initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to increase local agricultural output and reduce dependency on external aid. Furthermore, the SPF has provided financial support amounting to one million CFA francs as working capital for the APL, and plans are underway to train two additional tractor drivers to enhance the operational efficiency of the new equipment.

Siaka Barro, the High Commissioner of Kourweogo province, congratulated the APL on their new acquisitions and emphasized the challenges of ensuring profitability and sustainability of the equipment. He urged proper management and effective use of the resources generated by these new tools.

The ceremony’s sponsor, the chief of Laye, Naaba Yilgha, expressed gratitude to all involved parties and called on the community to engage actively in the socio-economic development of the area. Lucien Zongo, the president of the Laye Peasant Association, detailed the operation plan for the equipment, noting it was designed not only for the profitability of the investment but primarily to boost household agricultural production in the short term.