The 2022-2023 cotton campaign seems to have definitely delivered its performance. Burkina Faso has gained in rank, rising to second place among African cotton-producing countries. And this, despite everything!
Burkina Faso would have liked to occupy the first rank of cotton producing country in Africa. Unfortunately, this is not the case because the Benin of President Patrice Talon (himself a main player in cotton) has been there (587,000 tons). Never mind, the country of honest men now occupies second place (with 482,000 tons) after being poorly ranked for years. For multiple reasons.
Everything seems to have started with the crisis of cotton producers in the years 2011 to culminate in 2015 when among cotton producers, a group of slingers was born who initially opposed cotton production and in a second time at their ridge. Since then, cotton production has evolved unevenly, to practically stagnate from 2016 to the present day. By regaining the second place of cotton producing country in Africa, the cotton producers of Burkina Faso have shown resilience from all points of view.
The country has suffered from insecurity since 2015. Forcing producers in certain areas (especially the East and to a certain extent the Centre-West, Kénédougou and the Banwa in the West) to abandon their fields. In addition, gold production in some areas of the country has not only scared away the able-bodied, but has occupied large areas of fields in several cotton producing areas. As if that were not enough, the 2022-2023 campaign was seriously marked by the early appearance of jassids, these pest insects which have caused enormous damage on thousands of hectares in almost all cotton production areas. Then finally came the high cost and scarcity of inputs due to the war between Russia and Ukraine and the Coronavirus disease which disrupted international maritime traffic.
If, despite all these adversities, Burkina Faso is in second place when it was fourth the previous campaign, it is because the players have shown responsibility. Otherwise, this performance shows once again the ability of Burkinabè people to discern between where their most legitimate and lasting interests lie and those of the short term. Because, as the other would say, if cotton does not enrich individuals and companies, but families and communities. It is truly a production for the fight against poverty and the consolidation of social peace.
This second place should further galvanize the players in the cotton sector as the increase in cotton production in Burkina Faso is quite possible. Provided that the State continues to provide the subsidies on the inputs that producers need. This cannot be otherwise because cotton not only feeds about 4 million Burkinabè, it is the second export product and is, for example, the catalyst for cereal production. The cotton areas are the major cereal production areas. Better still, “when cotton works, everything works”, we are used to hearing.
Dabaoué Audrianne KANI
