Fish-farming Offers Opportunity to Burkina Faso Youth
Barogo, Burkina Faso – Due to high youth unemployment in Saaba commune, located east of the capital Ouagadougou, UPF-Burkina Faso decided to offer training in income-generating activities. The staff settled on fish farming, which was already practiced in the area, as an accessible, profitable skill that could immediately be put into practice.
UPF-BF partnered with a local NGO, Fatawa, which had already developed fish ponds and experienced trainers. The training was designed over two days, combining a theoretical module with hands-on work at the ponds. At the same time, since the area’s vegetation cover is under significant pressure, UPF-BF decided to undertake a reforestation operation at the same site.
The training opened on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in the conference hall of the NGO Fatawa, in the Barogo neighborhood. Facilitators from the host organization led theoretical modules aimed at giving enrolled learners an economic perspective on the trade. This first day, devoted entirely to acquiring basic knowledge, allowed learners to become familiar with the technical vocabulary and requirements of the trade before moving on to fieldwork.
On Sunday, August 16, after participants were welcomed and settled in, the moderator presented the day's program. Mr. Thomas Diarra, secretary general of UPF-BF, shared background on UPF and outlined the activity. Imam Cheick Maliki Oyedraogo delivered the welcome address.
The learners then went to the fish ponds for the practical phase of the project. Guided by the trainers, they observed the facilities in operation and applied on-site the concepts covered the previous day.
The presentation of certificates marked the completion of the training: the learners, mostly young people and women from Saaba commune, received their certificates in front of the audience, followed by a group photo in front of the official banners.
On the same day, all participants took part in the reforestation operation. Guided by the host organization's staff, volunteer ambassadors for peace, learners, and guests planted 81 trees, protected them, and gave them their first watering.
Carried out during the height of the rainy season to optimize the survival rate, the activity was also an opportunity to raise participants' awareness of young plant care and the fight against the degradation of vegetation cover. Conducted collectively by members of different faiths and generations, it was a concrete expression of service to the community.
Learners expressed satisfaction with how the first day's theory connected with the second day's practice, as well as with having direct access to a production facility. Three learners shared their impressions at the closing session, praising the practical nature of the approach and the opportunity to learn a trade.
Colonel-Major Dabre Amado, president of UPF-BF, delivered the closing remarks, urging participants to embody the federation's values and to regard service to the community as the foremost expression of peace. The day concluded with a group photo.
By Thomas Diarra, Secretary General, UPF-Burkina Faso August 16, 2026
