BOULSA – On Friday, sixty learners from the Rural Promotion Center (CPR) of Bonam in the Namentenga province received a range of domestic animals at the conclusion of their two-year training program. This initiative marks a significant step in fostering agricultural skills among new farmers in the Center-North region of Burkina Faso.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony, led by Adama Conseiga, the High Commissioner of Namentenga province, took place at the premises of the provincial livestock directorate. The event celebrated the distribution of livestock, including cattle, chickens, roosters, sheep, and pigs to the graduates, aimed at enabling them to apply the skills learned during their training effectively.

The High Commissioner emphasized the importance of the training and the subsequent support provided by the state, urging the continuation of efforts to enhance rural vocational education through centers like CPR Bonam. “Highlight the knowledge acquired during the 2 years of training at the Bonam CPR to motivate the State to continue its efforts and convince skeptics of the importance of the CPRs,” Conseiga stated during his speech.

The distribution of animals varied based on the requests from the trainees, detailed Boureima Nana, the director of Bonam CPR. “These include 18 cattle, 105 chickens, 14 roosters, 192 sheep, and 10 pigs,” Nana elaborated, highlighting the tailored support to meet the specific needs and preferences of each graduate.

Ragnimsom Serges Igor Birba, the regional director of Agriculture, Animal Resources, and Fisheries of the Centre-North, reiterated that the livestock provided were not just assets but complementary tools to the kits the beneficiaries received upon completing their training last May. This additional support is intended to help them start their agricultural endeavors on a robust footing.

The High Commissioner also took the opportunity to encourage the new farmers to diligently care for their animals to ensure profitability and contribute to the economic well-being of their families and the broader community. Meanwhile, Bibata Bilabèga, a spokesperson for the beneficiaries, expressed profound gratitude towards the state for its pivotal role in supporting emerging farmers in the region.