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, an initiative by Mani Tese in Burkina Faso has come to an end: thanks to the co-financing of Alliance Bioversity & CIAT, “Valorization of NUS (Neglected and underutilized species) and support for transformation in the Greater Ouaga” had a strong participation of the Loumbila community, in particular of the group of women processors of the Loumbila Nanglobzanga Producers Union. The initiative aimed to valorize these species for their nutritional and economic benefits, as well as for the sustainability of local food systems. The project had two main aspects: better knowledge of NUS and information exchanges and their valorization through agri-food transformation processes.
Market Analysis: Critical Issues and Opportunities of NUS
For the first result, a detailed market analysis was conducted that allowed us to identify the main actors in the NUS supply chain: producers, processors and consumers. Surveys and interviews conducted with restaurants, hotels and points of sale provided crucial information on the existing demand for NUS-based products. 111 actors were reached compared to the 85 initially planned. The study focused on the area called Grand-Ouaga which includes the capital Ouagadougou, but also several peri-urban municipalities that now constitute an extension of the capital itself. These municipalities are very important for the supply of fresh and processed products that then arrive in the city, an essential objective towards endogenous food security for a city that today has a population that largely exceeds 2 million people and a very high growth rate of around 300 thousand units per year. The data were then shared during workshops that encouraged the exchange of information and good practices between the actors involved, creating collaborative networks that strengthened the local agri-food supply chain.
This study on the NUS market in the Grand-Ouaga area revealed that despite the growing interest in NUS, there are still significant obstacles to their diffusion. 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, the lack of diversity in recipes and the poor integration of these plants into daily eating habits represent additional challenges.
However, interesting opportunities have also emerged. School canteens could be an important channel to introduce NUS into the eating habits of young people, while distribution points such as local markets and supermarkets are gradually integrating these products into their assortments. In particular, the demand for sweet potato and Guinea oseille (bissap) is growing strongly, both for fresh and processed products. The survey has also stimulated great interest in expanding the range of processed NUS products, fueling awareness and education on the consumption of local products, which, although still little known, have a lot of room for development.
A growth opportunity for transformative women
Another crucial aspect that emerged is the need to build strong relationships between the various actors in the supply chain, such as producers, processors and retailers, to ensure a continuous flow of fresh or processed NUS. The creation of a collaboration network between these different parties is essential to overcome the barriers to the diffusion of these products, such as limited availability and the high cost of processed products.
In terms of processing, the project placed special emphasis on strengthening the skills of women processors, with the aim of integrating NUS into their production. Training activities were organised 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. The processing infrastructure and materials were also improved by renovating the spaces and equipping them with new machinery (solar dryer, solar refrigerator, a multifunctional mill for dry and fresh products), with a special focus on hygiene regulations and safe practices in food processing. The women also began to actively seek 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 proof of the significant impact not only in stimulating the valorization of NUS, but also in strengthening the autonomy of local communities, especially women, creating a more resilient and inclusive environment for the communities of Greater Ouaga.
