Burkina Faso's pineapple pioneers challenge Sahel's agricultural limits
Burkina Faso farmers are growing pineapples in the Sahel, challenging old assumptions and supporting national food sovereignty goals.
In the sandy, stony soil of western Burkina Faso, Oumarou Compaoré is proving that pineapples can thrive in the Sahel. His farm, established in 2018 near Bobo-Dioulasso, has grown to about 50 hectares and now serves as a training ground for other farmers interested in the crop.
Pineapples have traditionally been viewed as a luxury fruit imported from wealthier coastal nations. But Compaoré's initiative, partly inspired by supply disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, has shown that local production is viable. His van carries the slogan "Pioneer in pineapple production in the Sahel."
The project aligns with Burkina Faso's broader push for food self-sufficiency. Military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who took power in 2022, has framed food production as a sovereignty issue. The government has suspended rice imports and opened factories for tomato paste, a local staple. Supermarkets in the capital now feature sections labeled "Let's consume what we produce."
Local farmers report growing interest in pineapple cultivation. Regional agriculture officials say fields have expanded to around 100 hectares in the administrative region, and an agricultural engineer at Compaoré's farm estimates over 100 farmers are now involved.
One such farmer, Mdme Kaba Séré, switched from nonprofit work to farming in 2023 after international aid cuts. She now manages about 60,000 pineapple seedlings. "With pineapple, there is profit," she said, noting the income has supported her entire family.
The crop offers financial rewards because buyers are easy to find, even before harvest. But challenges remain. Pineapples need up to two years to mature and require reliable water access. Digging wells is costly, and farmers must invest in fertilizer and transport. Climate stress is another hurdle, though some growers adapt by irrigating with cool water during intense heat.
Compaoré remains optimistic. On newly acquired plots, workers recently planted roughly 60,000 seedlings, with projected yields of 60 to 75 metric tons and revenue around $62,000. "We could even make the country self-sufficient in this fruit," he said.