Ouagadougou: Joseph Ki-Zerbo University officially launched the Agroecology Network project to promote the Sustainability of Food Systems in West and Central Africa (RADiUS) and ensure food sovereignty. The initiative is funded by the European Union with an allocation of 5 million euros aimed at supporting the agroecological transition in the region.

According to Burkina Information Agency, of the 5 million euros allocated, approximately 525,000 euros are earmarked for activities in Burkina Faso for the period 2025-2028. The project specifically targets ensuring food, economic, and nutritional security and sovereignty by promoting sustainable agroecological practices.

The project's national coordinator, Professor Antoine Sanon, highlighted that current agricultural practices threaten ecosystem balance. He emphasized the need for more sustainable management of natural resources to preserve agricultural system viability. The project aims to build on existing good practices, enhance farmers' capacities, and widely disseminate knowledge.

Professor Jean Fran§ois Silas Kobian©, UJKZ President, views the RADiUS project as a vision for African agriculture's future, integrating agricultural production, environmental protection, and rural community well-being. He urged all stakeholders to support the project to achieve a qualitative transformation of regional agriculture.

Adama Boro, Director General of the Rural Farm Modernization Support Fund, praised the project's alignment with the national agroecology development strategy 2023-2027, backed by the Ministry of Agriculture. RADiUS plans to establish a regional knowledge-sharing platform, support academic and continuing education, promote community entrepreneurship, and advocate for a legal and institutional framework favorable to agroecology.