As part of the “Programme d’actions structurées des acteurs de la Lutte contre la Désertification” (PASS-LCD), CARI and its partners wish to highlight the women and men working daily to promote agroecology in the Sahel. These spokespersons for agroecology carry out advocacy work at various levels (local, national, international) and work with local populations to encourage the emergence of agroecological practices and demonstrate their relevance in the fight against desertification.
Read the interview with Sibram Sylvie BONKOUNGOU, technical manager at Bioprotect in Burkina Faso. This young agronomist works on a daily basis to promote sustainable agricultural and food systems, and to help farmers make the transition to agro-ecology. She is currently working on a thesis in agro-ecology and plant production.
Interview mit Sibram Sylvie Bonkoungou
When did you first become interested in agroecology? Was there a key moment that raised your awareness?
In the course of my vocational training in agriculture, through theoretical lessons in the classroom and work placements in the agricultural sector, I learned about its importance to the country’s economy and the difficulties facing the sector: climate change, soil degradation, population growth and the harmful effects of the use of synthetic chemicals on the environment, the soil, humans and animals.
After doing some work experience in an organisation promoting agroecology, I quickly realised that there was a model of agricultural production that could overcome all the above-mentioned problems. And so began my struggles.
What does agroecology mean to you? What does it represent?
Agroecology is a global approach to agriculture that draws on ecological principles and local knowledge to design and manage sustainable, resilient and equitable farming systems. It aims to produce in an environmentally-friendly way, while ensuring food security, enhancing the value of local know-how and strengthening social and economic ties in rural areas.
Agroecology is much more than a farming method. It embodies a new vision of agriculture. Instead of seeking to produce more and more with chemical inputs (fertilisers, pesticides), agroecology seeks to work with nature. It promotes ecological balances to nourish the soil, protect crops and encourage biodiversity.
It is a recognition of farmers’ knowledge, putting local experience and practices back at the centre, as they are often neglected in industrial agriculture. It is a social and political commitment that also defends social justice. It’s a path towards resilience in the face of crises such as climate change, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity and rising input prices.
In short, agro-ecology represents hope for a more humane form of agriculture, one that is more respectful of the land and more economical for those who cultivate it.
How do you work within Bioprotect to promote agro-ecology?
As Technical Manager at Bioprotect, and as part of the Quality Control, Training and Rural Organisation Department, I work with my colleagues :
- Technical capacity-building activities for producers (women, young people, men) through :
- Training courses on best practice in agro-ecological market gardening, the manufacture of biofertilisers and biopesticides, etc.
- Raising awareness and providing information on the harmful effects of agro-industry
- Supervision and quality control of plant production and agri-food processing activities;
- Setting up nutritious gardens in schools;
- Setting up school fields ;
- Scientific research for innovative technologies
What do you think are the priorities for ensuring an agro-ecological transition?
- Strengthening producers’ capacities ;
- Create a favourable political and legal framework ;
- Dedicated and accessible funding;
- Strengthening action research and farmer innovation ;
- Securing access to land and water ;
- Developing fair trade marketing channels;
- Federating players and structuring networks.
How do you see the future of agroecology in your country?
The future of agro-ecology in Burkina Faso is based on an inclusive, participatory and sustainable vision. It requires synergy between all the players involved.
Information on the BioProtect structure
Created in 2011 in Burkina Faso, BioProtect is a Groupement d’Intérêt Economique (GIE) aimed at producing biopesticides. Its production process is based on raw materials such as neem, aromatic plants, garlic and chilli. BioProtect’s mission is to contribute to the development of organic agriculture in Burkina Faso through the production and dissemination of biopesticide production methods for the ecological control of crop pests and diseases.
