Agriculture

Around 90% of Burkinabés survive through sustainable agriculture. However, this sector is very unpredictable because of the country's harsh climate (low rainfall and high temperatures) and poor soil quality.

The items produced differ from region to region, depending on the soil and climate (see map below and soil and vegetation section)

The biggest factor in regards to cultivation is rainfall. Agriculture is very hard, bordering on the possible in the desert-landscape of the north. As you move south, water is easier to find and therefore agricultural productivity grows.

Cotton is the main crop, others include peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, sorghum, millet, corn and rice.

Below you can find a map outlining the various crops you can expect to see in each region.

• The red, orange and dark purple zones are the areas in which fruit and vegetable cultivation are the most common. "
• The largest zone, light purple, is where mil, sorghum, sesame and potatoes are produced.
• The green regions also produce mil and sorghum alongside maize and cotton (in the more humid areas)
• The yellow zone, the most humid part of the country, principally produces cotton and maize. Due to the lower temperatures and prolonged rainy season, this area that most fruit and vegetables are produced

Source: Atlas de l'Afrique - Burkina Faso, 2005

The variation in quantity and quality of fresh produce available in the various regions is trying to be balanced by the building of reservoirs and dams in the north-east and west of Burkina Faso. However, water still remains the biggest problem facing local farmers. This graph charts the evolution of various crops. Note that all crop-types have seen quite substantial growth. Also, note that the fruit and vegetable sector is a fairly recent phenomenon (1999).

Source: Atlas de l'Afrique - Burkina Faso, 2005