Bam: The Provincial Union of Simplified PENGDWENDE Cooperative Societies of Bam Breeders (U-SCOOP/PEB), in collaboration with the USAID/Yidgiri project, recently hosted a guided tour of a fodder production field in Mogdin, Kongoussi. The event saw significant participation from local producers looking to enhance their livestock feeding methods.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the tour included 30 local producers, of whom five were already trained in fodder production techniques. They visited a 0.5 hectare field owned by Roukiéta Sankara, which demonstrated six different types of fodder crops: misari millet, panicum CV C1, brachiaria, soybean, sorghum, and mucuna. Among these, misari millet was noted for its lower yield, producing between 3 and 4.8 tons per hectare.
Issa Sankara, the president of the Union, emphasized the significant role of the USAID/Yidgiri project in introducing fodder production to Bam producers. He highlighted the dual benefits of this initiative, which allows producers not onl
y to harvest grains but also to secure feed for their livestock. “The project has provided us with not just training but also essential equipment for fodder processing and agriculture,” he added, expressing gratitude on behalf of all union members.
Breeder Cyril Sawadogo shared his positive impressions of the visit, particularly noting the high quality of the six fodder varieties for animal fattening. Inspired by the tour, he plans to allocate part of his farm for fodder production in the following year.
Roukiéta Sankara, the host of the field visit and a key beneficiary of the project, thanked USAID/Yidgiri for the support that enabled her to engage in livestock fattening. A graduate of the National Livestock School of Burkina Faso, she has become a pivotal figure in fodder production within the Union.
Emmanuel Zackaria Sanou, managing the “small ruminants” value chain at the USAID/Yidgiri project, stated that the guided tour met its objectives by training five female producers, with one becoming a refere
nce point within the Union for fodder production. He also mentioned that the project aims to improve the productivity of small ruminants by at least 50%.
