From June 17 to 21, 2025, the city of Ouagadougou hosted the second edition of the Journées Alimentaires du Grand Ouaga. This initiative is supported by the Commune de Ouagadougou, in partnership with INADES-Formation Burkina and Rikolto, as part of the AfriFOODlinks project financed by the European Union. This second edition of the event was held under the theme: “Transition to sustainable and equitable food systems in Greater Ouaga: roles and responsibilities of stakeholders”.
On the morning of June 17, 2025 at Ouagadougou’s Hôtel de Ville, the meeting room was gradually filling up. Producers, processors, retailers, researchers, technicians, elected officials and citizens from the four corners of Greater Ouaga have answered the call of the Journées Alimentaires du Grand Ouaga, the second edition of which opens today. These days are intended to provide a genuine framework for dialogue and co-construction around a crucial issue: the transition to sustainable and equitable food systems in Greater Ouaga.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, Isidore DELLA, Director of the INADES-Formation Burkina National Office, declared: ” Food sovereignty can only be achieved if local players are placed at the heart of decision-making, valued for their practices and supported in a collective dynamic. “The representative of Mr. Maurice KONATE, President of the Special Delegation, Mr. Boukary SAVADOGO, continued: “The Special Delegation’s President is Mr. Maurice KONATE. If we want our cities to be more nourishing, more inclusive and more sustainable in the future, we need to make the right diagnoses, the right decisions and the right alliances today. “The message is clear, the tone is set.
Throughout the week, panels, testimonials, site visits and the fair will punctuate the days. On the first day, two panels are scheduled. The first will provide a diagnosis of Greater Ouaga’s food systems, highlighting the malfunctions and harmful practices observed throughout the chain, from production to consumption, including processing and food waste management. Alternatives are discussed, notably to improve processing, reduce losses and promote urban agriculture. The second panel explores concrete strategies for transforming food environments in markets, schools and street food in Greater Ouaga, with a view to fostering healthier, sustainable, equitable and resilient food systems.
The following day, June 18, 2024, the focus was on food governance. Public players, civil society organizations, citizens and technical partners are made aware of food issues. The floor is also given to those who are innovating in the field. Mariam Sankara, promoter of the Chez Mam Sank restaurant, Richard Moné of CRIA, and Arsène Gambo of Well Done Agrobusiness share their journeys, their successes and the obstacles they have had to overcome. These powerful testimonials show that concrete alternatives do exist, and that they deserve to be supported.
On the third day of the food days, some 50 pupils and students are taken on an educational tour. From Ouagadougou’s green belt to Parc Bangr-Weoogo, via the fair stands, they discover agroecological practices, urban biodiversity and processed products from local chains. ” We learn a lot and it makes us want to do something about our food “, confided one of the students at the end of the visit. For INADES-Formation Burkina, involving young people means preparing them today to be responsible citizens and players of tomorrow.
For three days, the food fair set up on avenue Monseigneur Thévenoud on the west side of Ouagadougou town hall becomes a lively crossroads for local flavors and initiatives. Market gardeners, processors, craftsmen and entrepreneurs showcase a variety of healthy, affordable products. A concrete way of promoting local know-how and bringing producers closer to urban consumers.
From June 19 to 20, 2025, Rikolto in West Africa held a Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue to draw up a roadmap for the establishment of a multi-stakeholder platform for the governance of food systems. During this session, participants worked in groups to develop visions focusing on the availability and quality of food accessible to all, the inclusion of food production in the development policy of Greater Ouaga, the efficiency of distribution systems, and integrated and sustainable food waste management systems.
The Journées Alimentaires de Ouagadougou came to a close at the end of the Multi-Actor Dialogue. As at the opening, it was pronounced by the Second Vice-President of the Special Delegation. All participants left with ideas, desires and, above all, a reinforced conviction: changing the way we produce and consume is possible, here and now. And if this dynamic is taking shape, it’s thanks to the determination of committed players in the field.
INADES-Formation Burkina, true to its mission, is steadfastly accompanying these transformation processes. By encouraging dialogue, promoting local practices and fostering connections between players, the organization is helping to build a fairer, healthier and more resilient food system for Greater Ouaga and Burkina Faso as a whole.
Julio YAMEOGO, Patrice DA
