Burkina Faso: A Committed Nurseryman for the Future of His Community

In the village of Ouroubonon, located in the commune of Boromo, lives Yao, a man whose determination and commitment have transformed both his community's life and his own. A passionate farmer, Yao has always sought to balance his love for the land with the well-being of his family. However, the harsh realities of his working conditions and financial challenges threatened his dream.

For several years, Yao had dedicated himself to seedling production during the dry season. However, his efforts were hindered by a severe lack of resources. The fence around his nursery, established in 1980, was in disrepair, leaving his young plants vulnerable to destruction by animals. The high cost of his children's education in private schools was an additional burden. To cope, he sold cotton, a resource that barely enabled him to meet his family’s needs and fund his nursery.

One day, hope came knocking through the "Developing Resilience and Reducing Malnutrition in Burkina Faso" project. This programme, implemented by World Vision Burkina Faso in partnership with the World Food Programme, aims to support agro-pastoral producers in overcoming climatic and economic challenges. Yao received essential support: a new wire fence, various seeds, watering cans, a gate, fencing materials, and farming tools. Additionally, he benefited from seedling production training provided by environmental experts, equipping him with valuable new skills.

With these resources, Yao transformed his nursery. He reinforced the fencing to protect his young plants, improved his cultivation techniques, and increased his production. He was no longer just maintaining his business—he was expanding it. Today, he produces a larger quantity of fruit tree seedlings, thorny species, and baobabs, which he sells to individuals, associations, and NGOs for reforestation projects.

But the impact of his commitment extends beyond his own nursery. Nine other producers in the region have also benefited from this initiative, fostering collective growth. By restoring degraded land and reducing deforestation, Yao and his fellow nurserymen play a crucial role in environmental conservation—an essential cause in a country where agriculture is threatened by erosion, drought, and flooding.

Today, Yao is no longer just a farmer; he is a thriving nurseryman and a true agent of change. Thanks to his dedication and the support of the project, he is securing a better future for his children and bringing hope to his entire community. His story is one of remarkable resilience, proving that with determination and the right support, challenges can be turned into opportunities.