Prisoners in Dédougou Engage in Agricultural Production for Reintegration

Dédougou: Through the Presidential Initiative for Agricultural Production, inmates in Dédougou are actively participating in field work and receiving training for their social reintegration. The BN-GPB has observed the impact of this program in the field in remand centers and barracks. According to Burkina Information Agency, the BN-GPB delegation first visited the Kamandena site, where the growth of maize seedlings was observed over an area of 4 hectares during this winter period. The site covers a total of 19.5 hectares, 4 of which were developed under the Presidential Initiative for Agricultural Production with support in the form of inputs like seeds and fertilizers. During the 2025 dry season, corn and onions were cultivated there. "We farm this developed area during both seasons of the year. During the dry season, we grew corn on 1 hectare and onions on a 600 m² area. With corn, we obtained 5 tons and, for onions, 700 kg. During this rainy season, only corn is sown on the area," said the deputy direct or of the Dédougou Detention and Correctional Center, prison security inspector Karambiri Tahirou. He specified that 23 prisoners are mobilized under the law on Community Service (TIG) to contribute to production and benefit from training facilitating their social integration upon release. Jacques Ledrian, an inmate sentenced to 60 months in prison, has served half of his sentence and was allowed to complete his incarceration at this center, where he cultivates and receives training useful for his rehabilitation. The visit continued to the 51st Commando Infantry Regiment site at Camp Nazi Boni in Dédougou, where livestock and agricultural activities are undertaken. The delegation visited a chicken coop, a sheepfold, and a 4-hectare field. "For livestock, we received 1,050 chicks, as well as 10 sheep and goats. The animals are growing well. The farm site has been renovated, but we are experiencing a slight delay in production due to a technical problem," explained Warrant Officer Simporé Mahamadi of the 51st RIC. These field trips allowed the BN-GPB delegation to see firsthand the achievements of the barracks and detention and correctional facilities as part of the Presidential Initiative for Agricultural Production and Food Self-Sufficiency.