Nando: The Governor of the Nando region, represented by the Secretary General, Lucien Guenguere, inaugurated the first regional fair for Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) at the Nando Regional Directorate of Water and Forests. This event marks a significant step in the decentralization of a national initiative, hailed as “courageous and visionary” by regional authorities, as it strengthens the territorial anchoring of sustainable development.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the governor’s representative, Lucien Guenguere, highlighted the fair as an “exceptional opportunity” for women processors, small rural cooperatives, and young local entrepreneurs who often lack visibility. He emphasized the fair’s role in promoting sustainable development tailored to local realities and communities.

The fair aims to achieve three key objectives: showcasing the wealth of NTFPs in the region, promoting sustainable economic exchanges through B2B meetings, and enhancing local capacities via conferences and workshops on production, processing, and conservation.

The theme of this edition, “Contribution of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to the health and nutritional security of populations,” was commended by the governor for its pertinence. Addressing ongoing challenges in food and nutrition security, the authority highlighted the nutritional and medicinal benefits of NTFPs, such as the nere (Soumbala), baobab, and moringa, which are crucial for combating anemia and chronic malnutrition.

The governor also underscored the importance of improving the quality, hygiene, and packaging of products. The regional secretary-general praised the fair’s organizers for prioritizing these themes, viewing them as vital for improving family health and well-being and accessing more demanding markets.

Mr. Guenguere concluded by addressing the stakeholders as the true ambassadors of the region’s green economy. He presented a formula for sustainable valorization of NTFPs: improvement of income and food security, job creation, and ecosystem preservation.

The fair, running from November 7 to 9, 2025, aspires to be a catalyst for innovation, a space for fruitful exchanges, and a springboard to sustainable prosperity for the entire Nando region. Louis Nebie, regional director of Water and Forests of Nando and organizer of the fair, expressed gratitude to the regional authorities for their support in promoting NTFPs.