Burkina Faso's economy is largely dependent on agriculture. Over the years, droughts and crop failures in several parts of the country have negatively impacted agricultural production.

This has not only threatened livelihoods but has also resulted in around 2.7 million people in the country experiencing food insecurity.

As part of the World Bank-financed West Africa Food System Resilience Programme, UNOPS is working side by side with the government of Burkina Faso towards strengthening national capacity to build food sovereignty.

"Agriculture is a key driver of Burkina Faso's development priorities, and reaching the most remote farmers is essential to building resilient food systems," said Genevieve Lefebvre, Head of UNOPS Office in Burkina Faso.

"This partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and the World Bank is rooted in a collective commitment to transform the agricultural sector and strengthen food sovereignty across the country," she added.

As part of the initiative, UNOPS supported the government of Burkina Faso in procuring and delivering 190 motorcycles, which will help strengthen the operational capacities of the Ministry of Agriculture's field agents to reach some of the country's most remote municipalities and villages.

These motorcycles will improve the mobility of field agents and help them intensify their advisory support and awareness-raising activities, share good agricultural practices and increase farm monitoring – contributing to better implementation of agricultural policies and improved services for rural communities.