Cotton is Burkina Faso’s leading agricultural export product and a key development factor for the country. However, cotton yields have remained stagnant in recent years due to extreme climate conditions, pests, and limited access to fertilisers.
In addition, only two per cent of Burkina Faso’s cotton are locally processed. Local textile workers often have only limited access to technical services, financing, and training. As a result, Burkina Faso exports most of its cotton fibre production without any substantial processing, thus limiting the potential contribution to the national economy.
The cotton value chain in Burkina Faso provides better incomes for farmers and textile workers while contributing to more sustainable cotton production.