Namentenga: A 0.733 ha market garden site handed over to the women of Boulsa to strengthen their autonomy: The Minister-Advisor to the President of Faso in charge of social issues and national reconciliation, Samuel Kalkoumdo, handed over on Monday in Boulsa an agricultural production site exclusively reserved for women for the practice of market gardening. Covering an area of 0.733 hectares, the developed area aims to support the economic empowerment of women in the urban commune of Boulsa, in the Kuils© region.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the developed site is located on the Boulsa-Zambanga axis, approximately 150 meters from the sacred hill of Tanyil©. It is entirely fenced and includes a water tower with an estimated flow rate of 10.5 m³ per hour, supplied by solar panels, 14 basins of 3 m³ each, and four taps for irrigation. The symbolic handover of the keys to the site and a guided tour of the facilities marked the occasion.
The High Commissioner of the province of Namentenga, Adama Conseiga, expressed his gratitude to the President of Faso for the realization of this agricultural infrastructure for the benefit of the women of the locality. Mr. Conseiga expressed his hope that this site would contribute to strengthening unity among women and achieving the desired empowerment goals.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, the president of the Wendpanga cooperative in Boulsa, Ms. Sandouidi Marie Binbiane, expressed her deep emotion and gratitude. She indicated that this achievement comes at a very opportune time. She explained that previously women would go to Guimsgo, in the village of Bonam located about 17 kilometers from Boulsa, to practice market gardening in order to provide for their needs.
According to her, the new area will allow them to produce several crops, including tomatoes, onions, okra, and sorrel, in order to improve their income and contribute to family expenses. "From now on, we will be able to provide for our own expenses and contribute to the costs of our families thanks to the productions we will make," she stated, believing that this site will prevent them from being financially dependent on their husbands.
Speaking at the event, Minister-Counselor Samuel Kalkoumdo indicated that this initiative is in line with the vision of the Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traor©, in favor of endogenous development and the empowerment of women. Instead of limiting the celebration of March 8 to festive events, the authorities have chosen to prioritize concrete actions capable of strengthening women's economic independence and their contribution to national development, she rejoiced.
A native of the area, the special advisor urged the beneficiaries to make this site a model of success in order to encourage the authorities to replicate this type of initiative. He also stressed the need to maintain unity among the women and to establish a management committee to ensure the proper administration of the area. The first produce from this market garden is expected in about three months, according to the president of the Wendpanga cooperative.