Neglected crops open markets, strengthen women's groups in Burkina Faso

An innovative initiative in Loumbila, Burkina Faso, places neglected and underutilized species (NUS) at the heart of agroecological practices. Led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and Mani Tese ONG, the project empowers women by equipping them with skills in food processing, quality standards and sustainable practices. By revitalizing local women’s groups and upgrading processing facilities, this initiative enhances food security, economic opportunities, and community cohesion.

By Eugenio Attard, Burkina Faso Country Representative, Mani Tese ONG, Francesca Grazioli, Scientist, Alliance Bioversity CIAT, Eleonora De Falcis, Scientist, Alliance Bioversity CIAT

Original version in French.

Video about work:

In the Loumbila region of Burkina Faso, the Nanglobzanga Producers Union is engaged in an ambitious project to promote neglected and underutilized species (NUS) while advancing an agroecological transition. Funded by The Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT and implemented by the NGO MANITESE in collaboration with the CGIAR Nature-Positive Solutions Initiative, this project targets crops such as amaranth, moringa and sweet potato, improving agricultural practices and transforming these crops into attractive products for the local market. 

Vision and Objectives of Agroecology and NUS 

The project aims to integrate NUS into local consumption habits while promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices. In Loumbila, this included training, awareness-raising and infrastructure strengthening. 

“By integrating the principles of agroecology, we preserve our land, reduce production costs and provide healthy food to our families,” said Justine Bembamba, a member of the Nanglobzanga Producers Union, who sees agroecology as a guarantee for a better future. “This agricultural practice allows us to produce healthy food while preserving water and biodiversity. It is essential to ensure a sustainable future for our land.” 

Agroecology: a central pillar

“With agroecology, we preserve the soil by using compost and natural insecticides, such as the one based on neem. These methods protect crops while improving their fertility,” said Mariam Kaboré, another member of the Union. 

To date, the project has rehabilitated a processing laboratory, which is now equipped to produce a new range of NUS-based products. A training dedicated to NUS brought together 32 women, allowing them to deepen their knowledge on processing techniques, hygiene standards and business opportunities. The participatory approach adopted strengthened the motivation of beneficiaries and social cohesion within the processing groups, essential elements for ensuring sustainable success. 

Women at the heart of transformation 

Thanks to this project, 32 women from the Nanglobzanga Union learned NUS processing techniques, in particular, to produce roselle and moringa jams, sweet potato purees and dried amaranth leaves. These trainings allowed them to acquire practical skills and create products that meet local market standards. 

For union members, these activities strengthen women’s autonomy. “By combining agroecology and processing, we reduce our environmental impact while promoting local crops that are often ignored. These efforts create healthy, environmentally friendly and economically viable products,” said Mariam Kaboré, another member.

Collaboration is a key ingredient for success. “Working together strengthens our solidarity and our know-how. These exchanges allow us to better organize ourselves and produce more efficiently,” Bembamba said. 

The project has also fostered commercial partnerships. For example, the women signed a contract with a private company to deliver a ton of dried amaranth every two weeks. This success illustrates the direct impact of the training and equipment provided. 

Activities enable scaling and value-addition production

The project’s main activities include:

• Extended local network: The Nanglobzanga Union brings together 17 groups in 9 villages and has 238 producers, including 142 women. 
• Cascade training: The first 10 trained processors shared their knowledge with 22 other women, bringing the total number of participants directly involved in processing to 32. 
• Laboratory rehabilitation: A processing room was renovated with modern equipment that complies with hygiene standards. This laboratory is operational, with an increased capacity to produce and package NUS-derived products. 

The coming months will see the acquisition of new equipment, the launch of awareness campaigns to promote NUS, and the expansion of the range of processed products with attractive packaging. The objectives are to strengthen women’s economic autonomy and establish short marketing circuits. 

The coordinator and key player of the project, says: “By combining innovation and tradition, this project offers a unique opportunity to transform NUS into a lever for sustainable development for Loumbila and its surroundings.”