Burkina Faso: When science and politics unite for resilient agriculture

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.