Gaoua: 197 agricultural volunteers recruited by the National Bureau of Major Projects of Burkina Faso (BN-GPB), as part of the implementation of the Presidential Initiative for Agricultural Production and Food Self-Sufficiency (IPP3A), began their training on Thursday at the University Center of Gaoua (CUG). The official opening ceremony for the start of the new school year was presided over by the governor of the DjOrO region, Siaka Barro, in the presence of administrative, military, and customary authorities.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Governor Siaka Barro highlighted that this initiative represents the strategic vision of the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, who aims to make Burkinabe youth an essential pillar of national sovereignty, particularly in food security and sovereignty matters. He noted that this vision has been translated into concrete actions through the Presidential Initiative for Agricultural Production and Food Security, focusing on training and transforming youth by enhancing their capacities in agricultural and agro-industrial production.

Mr. Barro expressed confidence in the strategic choice of the University Centre of Gaoua, likely to ensure the training of competent and committed young people. He voiced trust in the center's supervisors and teachers to yield concrete results with a significant economic and social impact at the end of the 70-day incubation period. He urged the agricultural volunteers to demonstrate commitment, discipline, perseverance, and a high patriotic spirit to meet the expectations placed upon them.

Professor Roland Meda, the mission manager of the University Centre of Gaoua, outlined that the training aims to equip 197 agricultural volunteers, comprising 175 men and 22 women from eight localities, over 70 days in the agro-silvo-pastoral field. He expressed gratitude to his superiors for choosing the CUG and reaffirmed his team's readiness to tackle the challenge, with support from partners. Professor Meda also requested technical support from the Regional Directorate of Agriculture, particularly in agricultural mechanization, to improve yields and enhance the skills of the volunteers.

He emphasized that the agricultural volunteers are expected to play a crucial role beyond mere training, as their mission is a concrete response to the nation's call to bolster agricultural resilience and national food sovereignty amidst significant agricultural challenges. During the incubation period, the volunteers will undergo training divided into 12 modules, covering soil maintenance and conservation, soil preparation, cereal, legume, and vegetable production, as well as the processing, preservation, and marketing of agricultural products.