4 Great Things to Know about Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso, a landlocked country at the heart of West Africa, is often called the “Land of Upright People” or the “Land of the Incorruptible.”
With a rich history, vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and a wealth of natural resources, the country has recently made significant strides in its development. After years under colonial rule, Burkina Faso is now on a path of industrialisation, agricultural advancement, and infrastructural growth, gradually shaping its identity on the global stage.
1. Natural Landscape of Burkina Faso
4 Great Things to Know about Burkina Faso. Although Burkina Faso lacks a coastline, it is home to breathtakingly diverse and beautiful natural landscapes. Its terrain features a mix of rolling savannas, dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and arid plains.
One of the country’s most captivating natural wonders is the Banfora Escarpment in the southwest. The escarpment has striking sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and Karfiguéla Falls. These cascading waterfalls, surrounded by dense greenery, are a favourite spot for locals and tourists. Additionally, Tengréla Lake, where hippos inhabit, offers visitors a glimpse of Burkinabe wildlife.
In the southern region, Arli National Park and W National Park are some of West Africa’s most important wildlife conservation areas. These parks have elephants, lions, buffalos, and various bird species.
Moving north, the Sahelian region characterised by vast, arid plains. Towns like Gorom-Gorom provide a look into the desert landscape. Visitors can marvel at the striking beauty of the Oursi Dunes and the tranquil Léraba River Basin.
Burkina Faso’s agricultural landscape is equally impressive, with fertile expanses supporting a variety of crops. The central and southern regions feature fields of sorghum, millet, maise, groundnuts, and others.
2. Natural Resources: From Gold to New Discoveries
4 Great Things to Know about Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso is known for its vast natural resources, particularly gold, making it one of Africa’s top gold producers. Numerous gold mines scattered throughout the country have attracted global interest.
However, recent discoveries have expanded the nation’s portfolio of valuable resources. Deposits of phosphates, zinc, copper, and manganese are found in significant quantities. These discoveries further position Burkina Faso as a key player in the region’s mining sector.
Even more promising are the recently uncovered rare earth minerals essential in producing modern technologies like smartphones and electric vehicles. These new discoveries create new investment opportunities. With the world moving toward cleaner energy, Burkina Faso is eager to capitalise on its rare earth deposits. Doing so will make it a strategic player in the global energy transition.
To ensure that the benefits of this wealth are felt throughout the country, the Burkinabe government has implemented policies to increase local participation in the mining industry. These measures are helping to shift away from the historical exploitation of the nation’s resources by foreign companies. This move will lead to a more equitable distribution of wealth among its citizens.
3. Burkina Faso’s Food and Agriculture
4 Great Things to Know about Burkina Faso. Burkinabe cuisine reflects the country’s agricultural roots and rich cultural diversity. Traditional staples such as sorghum, millet, and maise form the foundation of most meals.
Popular dishes include tô, a dough-like dish typically served with vegetable sauces, meat, or fish. Another well-loved dish is riz gras, a hearty meal of rice, tomatoes, and meat commonly served at gatherings.
Burkina Faso’s Agricultural Diversity: A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Markets in cities such as Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso are filled with fresh produce, including mangoes, papayas, yams, and okra. The livestock sector also plays a crucial role in the food economy, with beef, mutton, and chicken being everyday staples. As Burkina Faso modernises its agricultural industry, a wider variety of food products is becoming available.
The expansion of the food industry has seen the rise of local processing plants and food preservation initiatives. These initiatives are helping to reduce food waste and improve food security, particularly in rural areas.
In recent years, Burkina Faso has surprised many by successfully expanding its agricultural production to include crops previously considered unsuited to its climate and soil. The country has begun cultivating coffee, cocoa, plantains, wheat, and other agricultural products, defying long-held assumptions about its agricultural potential.
This shift is mainly due to advancements in modern farming techniques and investments in irrigation systems that have improved water management, allowing for the cultivation of more diverse crops. These developments contribute to food security within the country. They also open new avenues for export growth, further boosting Burkina Faso’s economy. This agricultural transformation positions Burkina Faso as an emerging player in regional and international markets while enhancing the variety of locally available food products.
4. Recent Developments
4 Great Things to Know about Burkina Faso. A Story of Resilience and Progress, Burkina Faso has worked hard to free itself from neocolonial influences since gaining independence from France in 1960. In recent years, the country has made significant progress in asserting its sovereignty and charting a new path forward. Under the leadership of figures such as Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso has reclaimed control over its resources, economy, and political direction.
Today, Burkina Faso is undergoing a period of rapid industrialisation and infrastructure development. Large-scale construction projects transform urban centres, such as expanding road networks and building new housing and commercial centres. Both Ouagadougou, the capital, and Bobo-Dioulasso, the second-largest city, are emerging as bustling hubs of commerce and industry.
The government has also invested heavily in energy infrastructure, focusing on renewable projects like solar power. Given Burkina Faso’s abundant sunshine, solar energy offers a sustainable solution to the country’s energy needs, helping reduce dependence on expensive imports.
In addition to energy, Burkina Faso prioritises developing local industries, particularly in manufacturing and agro-processing. Small-scale industries are springing up in rural areas to process locally grown crops, adding value to agricultural products and creating new employment opportunities. These developments are expected to accelerate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of millions of Burkinabe.
Conclusion
4 Great Things to Know about Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso’s journey towards economic independence, industrial growth, and agricultural advancement is a testament to its people’s resilience. While challenges remain, such as addressing security concerns in the northern regions and combating corruption, the country is well on its way to building a future that reflects the strength and determination of its citizens.
The nation’s unique landscapes, growing industries, and expanding variety of food products all signal a country embracing change while staying connected to its cultural heritage. As Burkina Faso continues to build on its foundations, it offers hope for a brighter, more prosperous future for its people and the entire West African region.