Burkina Faso: Nutrition and Education, A presidential initiative for endogenous development
The extraordinary session of 2025 of the Technical Consultation Framework of the Presidential Initiative (CTC-IP) titled “Ensuring that every school-age child receives at least one balanced meal per day” was held on January 8, 2025, in Ouagadougou. Under the theme “State of school food and nutrition in Burkina Faso: challenges and prospects”, it was chaired by Dr. Alice Sidibé, Permanent Secretary of the Presidential Initiative.
This initiative aims to ensure better academic performance while guaranteeing the right to food. Among the notable outcomes, Dr. Sidibé highlighted the mobilization of new partners to finance a draft law on school food and nutrition. Additionally, the Integrated Program (FAO-IFAD-WFP-UNICEF) supporting school food and nutrition (PISANS), with a cost of USD 34.6 million (21.7 billion CFA), was launched by the Prime Minister.
The initiative is innovative in establishing a formal link between local agricultural production and school canteens, thereby promoting endogenous economic and social development. However, challenges remain, such as delayed food supplies and mismanagement of school canteens. To address these, the government introduced new temporary measures starting in the 2024-2025 school year to accelerate food procurement and ensure access to minimum school supplies.
The key role of local authorities and communities was emphasized by René Ouédraogo, Director of Local Governance. He presented actions such as securing rural land for school gardens, building infrastructure, and contracting with interprofessional organizations to diversify students’ meals.
At the end of the discussions, stakeholders recommended adhering to signed contracts and strengthening endogenous school canteens. These efforts converge toward a common goal: ensuring that every student receives a balanced meal, while boosting local agriculture and consolidating Burkina Faso’s socio-economic future.
