- For the purchase of 11.95 tonnes of certified corn seed
- And 8.2 tonnes of sorghum seed
- As part of its local content policy in the mining sector
Although Burkina Faso’s mining sector is flourishing, it is not benefiting the entire population. It was in this context that the 2015 Mining Code introduced Local Content to promote local production and experience. Most mines in Burkina Faso apply this provision, recruiting local staff and working with local service providers.
It was in this context that the Sanbrado Mining Company (Société des Mines de Sanbrado, SOMISA) presented Sanbrado seed producers with a cheque for 9.700 million FCFA on Friday 9 June 2023.
The aim of the ceremony was to purchase seeds certified by 5 producers for distribution to all 178 agropastoralists affected by the Sanbrado gold project. The purchase was made possible by a partnership with Agricultural Services Company (Entreprise des Services Agricoles, ESA). It involves the purchase of 11.95 tonnes of certified SR21 maize seed and 8.2 tonnes of Soubatimi sorghum seed.
The ceremony was presided over by Gueswendé Blaise Soudré, second vice-president of the Boudry Special Delegation, in the presence of agropastoralists from villages affected by the Sanbrado gold project.
According to SOMISA representative Hugues Kambiré, “this action is the culmination of a long process”. He explained that SOMISA is concerned about the well-being of farmers affected by the mine’s operations, which is why it has set up a programme to restore their livelihoods.
Adama Benoît Ouédraogo, General Secretary of the Namalgbzanga seed producers’ cooperative, was delighted with the training in seed production and all the support they received during the past agricultural season. On behalf of all seed producers, he thanked SOMISA, agricultural officers and seed inspectors for their support.
SOMISA has undertaken to train and support farmers to produce seeds of improved varieties with a view to buying them back and distributing them to other producers to help improve agricultural production.
As a reminder in 2021, SOMISA trained 28 producers in improved seed production. During the 2022 agricultural season, 14 of the 28 producers trained decided to start up the business.
Rachid Ouédraogo
#Mine_Actu_Burkina
