Zoundweogo: The Network for the Promotion and Empowerment of Rural Women (REPAFER Burkina) has extended its support to more than 100 women’s cooperatives engaged in rice production in a bid to promote food self-sufficiency. Led by Mamounata KI, REPAFER conducted a field trip on September 16 and 17, 2025, to assess the progress in rice fields managed by these cooperatives across the municipalities of Manga, Binde, Gogo, Guiba, and Bere.

According to Burkina Information Agency, REPAFER’s support includes providing seeds, fertilizers, and technical advice from agricultural agents. The organization’s initiatives align with the vision of Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim TRAORE, who supports sustainable food self-sufficiency. Mamounata Ki emphasized that the aid helps women produce not only for personal consumption but also for broader national development.

The cooperatives visited included the Namalgzanga Cooperative in Kassougou, the Nongtaaba Cooperative in Kopeulin, the Association for the Promotion of Women in Samtenga, and the Teegawende Association in Bilbalogo. Boukary Ouedraogo, Head of the Manga Agricultural Technical Support Zone, commended the Namalgzanga cooperative for its efficient management of the Kassougou lowland, noting that the rice crops and water availability are promising.

Marie Jeanne Tonde, chair of the Namalgzanga Cooperative, expressed gratitude for REPAFER’s support, which has helped improve their production despite ongoing challenges such as insufficient agricultural inputs and limited technical and financial resources. To enhance the rice production value chain, REPAFER is advocating for the establishment of a semi-mechanized processing center for local broken rice, aiming to make it a provincial specialty. Land has already been secured for this project.

The field visit by REPAFER serves as preparation for the upcoming National Rural Women’s Week, set to take place from October 20-25, 2025, in Manga.