Burkina Faso has imported 710 pregnant dairy cows from Brazil in a significant effort to increase local milk production and decrease the country’s heavy reliance on imported dairy products. The government stated that this initiative is part of a broader plan to strengthen domestic agriculture and enhance food security. Often referred to as the “land of upright people,” Burkina Faso currently spends about 22 billion CFA francs each year on importing milk and other dairy products. Authorities believe that by expanding local production, the need for foreign supplies will gradually diminish.
The Minister of Agriculture, Major Ismael Sombié, officially received the cattle at the country’s livestock breeding station. Officials have stated that these animals are high-performance dairy breeds that can produce significantly more milk than local stock. Agriculture authorities anticipate that the breeding program will generate approximately 1.2 million liters of milk in its first year. They project that production will triple within five years as the herd expands through breeding.
Government officials say the project will also support local farmers by improving livestock genetics and increasing the availability of dairy products produced within the country. The move forms part of Burkina Faso’s wider strategy to strengthen food production, reduce reliance on imports and build a more resilient agricultural sector.
Story by Ibrahim Abode
