Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-04-07 07:58:40
In the suburbs of Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou, there has been a noticeable shift in agricultural practices as strawberry farming has gained momentum, replacing traditional crops like cabbage and lettuce. This transition has proven to be not only profitable but also a key export to neighboring countries, further solidifying its position as a top commodity in the region.
Referred to as “red gold” in the Sahel, the strawberry crops have generated around $3.3 million in revenue from 2019 to 2020, according to the agricultural support program PAPEA. Farmers like Yiwendenda Tiemtore, located in the Boulmiougou district on the outskirts of the city, have embraced the strawberry farming trend. Tiemtore noted that during the January to April season, strawberries take precedence over other crops, and he begins harvesting the fruit early in the morning to avoid the scorching temperatures that can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius later in the day.
Tiemtore’s farm yields approximately 25 to 30 kilograms of Burkina’s popular strawberry varieties, “selva” and “camarosa,” every three days, with his plots being watered from wells to support the crop’s requirement for sunlight and water. Despite the seemingly unexpected nature of strawberry cultivation in this semi-arid West African country, Burkina Faso leads the region in strawberry production, producing about 2,000 tons annually. While local customers value the strawberries, more than half of the production is exported to neighboring countries like Ivory Coast, Niger, and Ghana.
Market gardener Madi Compaore, who specializes in strawberries and provides training to local growers, highlighted the increasing demand for strawberries from abroad, leading to favorable prices in the market. The profitability of strawberry farming is evident during the season, with prices per kilogram reaching $5, surpassing that of other fruits and vegetables. Despite challenges like insecurity due to jihadi violence and political unrest, strawberry production has remained robust.
Apart from Ouagadougou, strawberry farming also thrives in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina’s second-largest city. Compaore acknowledged that the sector may not be as organized in Bobo-Dioulasso but emphasized the long-standing presence of strawberry cultivation in the country since the 1970s. The introduction of strawberry plants by a French expatriate set the stage for the industry’s growth, further expanding as more individuals ventured into strawberry farming.
Local sellers like Jacqueline Taonsa have embraced the seasonal opportunity presented by strawberries, setting aside their usual fruit offerings to capitalize on the demand for fresh strawberries. Adissa Tiemtore, a former full-time fruit and vegetable seller, also leans into the lucrative margins afforded by strawberry sales during the peak season. A careful logistical approach is employed, with sellers coordinating with growers to secure daily quantities for sale throughout the months of fruit production.
As the season draws to a close by the end of April, sellers like Tiemtore shift their focus back to other activities while eagerly awaiting the next strawberry season. The popularity and profitability of strawberry farming in Burkina Faso continue to drive economic opportunities for farmers and sellers, solidifying the position of strawberries as a valuable crop in the region.
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