(Ecofin Agency) - The Burkinabe government plans to support farmers with up to CFA16 billion during the 2017/2018 wet season, which began last week. Agence de presse africaine (APA) reports.

The money will be used to fund the purchase of agricultural inputs and equipment, including fertilizer (16,000 tons), improved seeds (8,155 tons) and 27,400 agricultural equipment.

This government support to agricultural players comes after the country’s cereal output dropped by 11% drop to 4 million tons last season. An underperformance which resulted in a cereal deficit of more than 477,000 tons, thus worsening the country's food situation.

Let’s note that agriculture employs more than ¾ of Burkina Faso's active population. According to AfDB, the country uses less than 50% of its arable land potential estimated at 9 million hectares.

Espoir Olodo