Rural Innovators Recognized at Burkina Faso’s Premier Agricultural Exhibition
OUAGADOUGOU — The 7th edition of the Salon International Association for Agriculture, Environment and Livestock (SIAEL) concluded on Saturday, with the ceremony awarding the best innovators in the rural sector. The event, hosted in the rural commune of Komsilga, celebrated the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups to the agro-sylvo-pastoral sectors.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the organization behind SIAEL 2024, nine official awards were presented to distinguish those who have made significant achievements in their respective fields. The highest honor, the Golden Kuuri, along with 2.5 million FCFA and equipment worth an additional million FCFA, was awarded to Kani Bicaba, a producer from the Boucle du Mouhoun region, for excellence in agriculture. Yvonne Kiénou and Bihoun Bambou followed, receiving the Silver and Bronze Kuuri awards respectively, along with valuable equipment and financial rewards.
In the livestock sector, Lassané Sawadogo of the Center region took home the Golden Kuuri, echoing the agricultural sector’s top prize in both prestige and rewards. The Silver and Bronze Kuuri awards were bestowed upon the Achrisma agro-pastoral farm and the Sahel Moné Richard agricultural complex, each gaining recognition along with monetary and equipment prizes.
Environmental achievements were equally lauded, with Salifou Ouédraogo winning the Golden Kuuri for his efforts in environmental conservation. The Femme 2000 association and Fatoumata Sory were awarded the Silver and Bronze Kuuri, receiving funds and trophies for their contributions.
Special categories recognized the best processor of non-wood forest products, the top women’s group, the leading organic producer, and the best exhibition stand, highlighting the diverse talent present at this year’s SIAEL.
Jean Victor Ouédraogo, the general commissioner of SIAEL 2024 and president of ADMR, emphasized the role of the rural sector in the development of Burkina Faso. He remarked on the significant international participation at the event, with over 270 stands and representatives from countries including Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Senegal, Niger, and Ivory Coast. Ouédraogo’s vision for national development includes initiatives like “a village, a water reservoir” to empower youth and promote self-sufficiency in agriculture, environment, and livestock sectors.
The event also served as a platform for sharing success stories, like that of Lassané Sawadogo, a prize-winning breeder who transitioned from conflict to agriculture, and Salifou Ouédraogo, an octogenarian environmentalist who has cultivated a vast baobab orchard. Their stories highlight the resilience and innovation thriving in Burkina Faso’s rural communities.
SIAEL 2024, which ran from February 20 to 24, centered on the theme “Impact of the security crisis on the agro-sylvo-pastoral sector: inventory and perspectives,” with Mali honored as the guest country. The event underscored the critical importance of the rural sector to Burkina Faso’s future, showcasing the achievements and potential of its people in facing both challenges and opportunities.