Burkina Faso Sets Hajj 2024 Pilgrimage Cost at 3.28 Million FCFABoulgou Farmers Receive Training on Soilless Agriculture and Organic Fertilizer Production

OUAGADOUGOU – Burkina Faso has announced the official cost for its citizens undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca in 2024. Each Burkinabè pilgrim will be required to pay 3 million 276 thousand 500 CFA francs, as stated by the Ministry in charge of Territorial Administration on Monday.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the announcement was made through a press release issued by Minister Émile ZERBO of Territorial Administration, Decentralization, and Security. The decision on the cost was reached following consultations with the National Committee for the Monitoring of the Pilgrimage to Mecca (CNSPM) and the travel and tourism agencies authorized to organize the pilgrimage. It is noted that this amount does not cover the cost of the sacrificial sheep, which remains the personal responsibility of the pilgrim.

In the statement, Minister ZERBO took the opportunity to express his gratitude towards the Saudi authorities for their support and to commend all those involved in the planning and organization of the Hajj 2024 for their dedication and hard work. He also expressed a hopeful sentiment that the same spirit of cooperation and dedication would continue to guide the preparations for a successful pilgrimage.

The set cost aims to provide clarity and assistance to the Islamic community of Burkina Faso as they prepare for one of the five pillars of Islam, ensuring that the financial aspects of the pilgrimage are transparent and managed effectively.

BITTOU – Agricultural producers in Bittou, located in the Boulgou province, participated in a two-day training workshop focused on soilless farming techniques and the creation of organic fertilizers. The event, which took place from January 24 to 25, 2024, was organized by the consultancy firm for the Development of Fada N’Gourma, aiming to elevate the standard of professional training within the agricultural sector.

According to Burkina Information Agency, led by expert Amadou LOMPO, the initiative seeks to introduce farmers to innovative agricultural practices that allow for the cultivation of vegetables and fruits without the need for soil. LOMPO emphasized the benefits of soilless production, including cost savings on vegetable and fruit purchases, as well as mitigating the challenges posed by distance and insecurity in accessing traditional farming lands.

The workshop covered a variety of topics, ranging from the basics of soilless cultivation to the formulation of pesticides and organic fertilizers. Over the course of two days, participants engaged in comprehensive modules designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement these practices within their own farming operations.

Participant BEBANE Mahamoudou expressed appreciation for the training, highlighting its significance and potential to ease the burdens faced by local producers. The workshop concluded with the distribution of certificates to the attendees, marking their successful completion of the training.

This initiative represents a significant step forward in the adaptation of sustainable and innovative agricultural practices in Boulgou, offering farmers alternative methods to enhance productivity and sustainability in the face of environmental and security challenges.