Burkina Faso, when women revive neglected crops
The project, funded by Alliance Bioversity & CIAT and implemented by Mani Tese, aimed to enhance neglected and underutilized species to promote sustainability and food security
With interesting results and promising indications for the future, a Mani Tese initiative in Burkina Faso has come to an end: thanks to co-financing from Alliance Bioversity & CIAT, “Valorization of NUS (Neglected and underutilized species) and support for processing in Greater Ouaga” had strong participation from the Loumbila community, particularly the group of women processors of the Loumbila Nanglobzanga Producers’ Union. The initiative aimed to enhance these species for their nutritional and economic benefits, as well as for the sustainability of local food systems. There were two main aspects of the project: better knowledge of NUS and information exchanges and their enhancement through agro-processing processes.
Market analysis: critical issues and opportunities of NUS
Regarding the first outcome, a detailed market analysis was conducted to identify the main players in the NUS supply chain: producers, processors and consumers. Surveys and interviews conducted with restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets provided crucial information on the existing demand for NUS products. 111 actors were reached compared to the 85 originally planned. The study focused on the area called the Grand-Ouaga, which includes the capital Ouagadougou, but also numerous peri-urban municipalities that are now an extension of the capital itself. These communes are very important for the supply of fresh and processed produce that then arrives in the city, an essential goal toward endogenous food security for a city that now has a population well in excess of 2 million people and a very high rate of growth of about 300,000 per year. Data were then shared during workshops that fostered the exchange of information and best practices among stakeholders, creating collaborative networks that strengthened the local food supply chain.
This study of the NUS market in the Grand-Ouaga area, revealed that despite the growing interest in NUS, there are still significant barriers to their dissemination. The main barriers identified include the limited availability of some products in urban markets, the high price of processed products, and the lack of knowledge about the nutritional benefits of these species. In addition, lack of diversity in recipes and poor integration of these plants into daily eating habits pose additional challenges.
However, interesting opportunities have also emerged. School wineries could be an important channel for introducing NUS into young people’s eating habits, while distribution outlets such as local markets and supermarkets are gradually integrating these products into their assortments. In particular, demand for Guinea sweet potato and oseille (bissap) is growing strongly, both for fresh and processed products. The survey has also stimulated a great deal of interest in expanding the range of NUS-based processed products, fueling awareness and education on the consumption of local products, which, while still little known, have ample room for development.
An opportunity for growth for women processors
Another crucial aspect that has emerged is the need to build strong relationships among the various players in the supply chain, such as producers, processors, and retailers, to ensure a continuous flow of fresh or processed NUS. Networking between these different parties is crucial to overcome barriers to the spread of these products, such as limited availability and the high cost of processed products.
With regard to processing, the project placed special emphasis on strengthening the skills of women processors, with the aim of integrating NUS into their productions. Training activities were organized that combined traditional techniques with innovations to diversify products and improve their quality. In addition, courses on HACCP regulations were included to prepare the group to meet the requirements for future quality certification. Processing infrastructure and materials have also been improved with the renovation of space and the provision of new machinery (solar dryer, solar-powered refrigerator, a multifunction mill for dry and fresh produce), with a focus on hygiene regulations and safe practices in food processing. The women have also begun actively seeking new suppliers and sales strategies, demonstrating how the project has created a positive environment that stimulates personal and collective growth, promoting long-term sustainability. Further evidence of the significant impact not only in stimulating the enhancement of NUS, but also in empowering local communities, particularly women, by creating a more resilient and inclusive environment for communities in Greater Ouaga.
