On May 2, 2025, AGRA Burkina Faso convened stakeholders in Ouagadougou for a validation workshop on the gender study conducted under the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) program. The event marked a key milestone in advancing inclusive agricultural transformation by spotlighting the unique challenges faced by women and young girls across five regions of the country.
The study, which gathered insights from hundreds of program participants, revealed persistent gender inequalities—especially in access to productive resources, agricultural services, and decision-making spaces. These disparities continue to limit the full participation of young women in the agri-food sector.
Crucially, the research goes beyond diagnosis to offer concrete recommendations for action, including capacity strengthening, equitable land reforms, shared leadership, and community-driven engagement models.
“The gender analysis has brought to light critical structural challenges—particularly around access to land and finance—that continue to hinder youth participation in agriculture,” said Ousmane Sanogo, Country Program Lead at AGRA Burkina Faso. “Addressing these issues will require medium- to long-term solutions, developed in collaboration with public institutions and local communities. We must also work closely with financial institutions to co-create tailored toolkits and youth-friendly loan products that can unlock the potential of young agri-entrepreneurs.”
The workshop served as a space for collaborative dialogue, bringing together government officials, civil society organizations, implementing partners, and program beneficiaries. A gender-responsive roadmap is currently being developed to guide the effective implementation of the YEFFA program in Burkina Faso, ensuring that inclusion becomes a catalyst for sustainable and resilient food systems.
