Blog Burkina Faso: When science and politics unite for resilient agriculture
Burkina Faso has launched an innovative platform that brings together scientists and policymakers to collaborate against the threats of climate change on agriculture, aiming to enhance food security and promote sustainable development.
Nestled in the heart of the Sahel, Burkina Faso is currently experiencing an unprecedented climate crisis. The devastating effects of climate change are no longer a distant threat but a tangible reality, directly impacting the daily lives of rural populations. Extreme weather phenomena, such as prolonged droughts and sudden floods, are becoming more frequent and intense, jeopardizing the food security and livelihoods of millions. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global agricultural yields could fall by 10 to 25% by 2050 if no action is taken—an alarming prospect for a country where agriculture is the backbone of the economy.
In Burkina Faso, about 80% of the working population depends on primarily rainfed agriculture, making the sector extremely vulnerable to climatic hazards. Unpredictable rainfall variations and rising temperatures have already led to significant yield reductions in essential crops such as millet and sorghum, with decreases ranging from 10 to 20% over the last two decades. This exacerbates already concerning food insecurity and increases poverty in rural areas.
Faced with these challenges, it is imperative to act quickly and effectively to adapt agricultural systems and strengthen community resilience. This requires an integrated approach that combines scientific advancements with public policies to develop innovative and realistic adaptation and mitigation strategies. The urgency is even greater as projections by the World Meteorological Organization indicate that the Sahel region may experience a temperature increase above the global average, making the conditions for living and agricultural production even more challenging.
A pioneering alliance: Establishing the science-policy platform
In this critical context, the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), In collaboration with the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA), West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF) and with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, launched the national "science-policy" dialogue platform in Ouagadougou. This innovative platform aims to bridge the gap between researchers and policymakers, facilitating the creation of public policies informed by the latest scientific advances.
Key stakeholders—scientists, government officials, representatives of civil society, and the private sector—gathered to define the objectives and operations of this platform. The ambition is clear: to establish a permanent and structured dialogue framework that enables effective cross-sector collaboration. By integrating the most recent scientific data into the decision-making process, the platform aims to develop robust agricultural and environmental policies that can meet the current and future challenges of climate change.
This is particularly relevant for Burkina Faso, where aligning research with public policies is crucial for the effective implementation of development strategies. By breaking down traditional silos between stakeholders, the platform facilitates information sharing and the co-creation of solutions tailored to local realities. It also offers a replicable model for other countries facing similar challenges, demonstrating the importance of a collaborative approach to achieving sustainable development goals.
Innovating together: Towards resilient agricultural policies
The "science-policy" platform represents a significant advancement in how Burkina Faso addresses agricultural development and climate change issues. By bringing together scientific knowledge and political expertise, it enables the creation of more informed, responsive, and adapted public policies. According to the United Nations Development Programme, less than 20% of development policies in Sub-Saharan Africa are currently based on solid scientific data, limiting their effectiveness in addressing complex challenges.
Thanks to this platform, policymakers will have access to accurate and up-to-date information on the impacts of climate change, technological innovations, and best agricultural practices. This allows them to formulate strategies that strengthen the resilience of agricultural systems, protect ecosystems, and improve food security. For instance, the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties or the implementation of agroecological techniques can be promoted on a large scale through policies supported by scientific evidence.
Furthermore, by actively involving local stakeholders, including farmers' organizations and rural communities, the platform ensures that proposed solutions are not only technically viable but also socially acceptable and economically profitable. This participative approach fosters community ownership of the initiatives, which is essential for their long-term success.
Building the future: A call to collective action
The establishment of the national "science-policy" dialogue platform is a crucial step towards achieving a sustainable future for Burkina Faso. However, for this initiative to be successful, it requires the active engagement and participation of all concerned stakeholders. The challenges posed by climate change and food security are complex and multidimensional and can only be addressed through collective and coordinated action.
We therefore call on governments, research institutions, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and local communities to join this platform and contribute to its efforts. Together, we can develop innovative and effective policies that meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations and preserve natural resources for future generations.
It is time to turn challenges into opportunities, to make science a driver of development, and to place collaboration at the heart of our actions. Burkina Faso has the opportunity to become a regional leader in climate change adaptation and sustainable agricultural development. By uniting our strengths, we can build a future where food security is guaranteed, communities are resilient, and the environment is protected.
