China helps Burkina Faso youth build farming skills

China is supporting agricultural skills training in Burkina Faso, where young farmers are learning practical vegetable cultivation techniques aimed at improving food security and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The program, led by Chinese agricultural experts in the town of Kindi, in west-central Burkina Faso, forms part of broader China-Africa cooperation in agriculture, education and community development.

The training combines classroom instruction with hands-on agricultural practice. Participants are learning vegetable production techniques, including tomato cultivation, and are expected to demonstrate the skills they have acquired during the course.

For many trainees, the program offers an opportunity to improve traditional farming practices through modern agricultural methods.

"This training is very useful to us. We usually cultivate small gardens, but this training adds new knowledge. China has a highly developed agricultural sector, and we should seize this opportunity to learn," said trainee Ouedraogo Safiata.

Another participant, Sankara Yacouba, said the program had changed how trainees approach farming.

"The focus on horticulture and the transfer of knowledge from Chinese technicians has been very important," he said.

Supporting food security

The training program is part of the International Cultural Exchange Camp for Reforestation and Community Action, an initiative that brings together young people from different regions of Burkina Faso for volunteer work, environmental education and community development.

Hu Yuzhou, head of the Chinese Agricultural Mission in Burkina Faso, said the initiative aims to create a new generation of agricultural role models.

"The goal is to help these young Burkinabe farmers become examples for their peers and contribute to the development of the agricultural sector," Hu said.

Organizers say the program will continue beyond the classroom.

According to Diallo Hamed Sisdiki, head of the Youth Division for UNESCO Associated Schools and Clubs, trainees will receive seeds and farming equipment from the Chinese agricultural team after completing the course.

"These resources will allow participants to establish vegetable gardens at home," Sisdiki said. 

As Burkina Faso continues to face food security challenges, supporters of the program say practical agricultural training and knowledge transfer could help strengthen local food production and improve household livelihoods.

The initiative reflects growing cooperation between China and Burkina Faso in agricultural development, with a focus on skills transfer, rural productivity and long-term food security.