Burkinabé peasants start using ICT

This agricultural organization on provincial level was born out of the will of its members to create in their province a framework of dialogue, exchanges and of search for  solutions to their common problems.  It counts more than 4760 members. Since its creation in 1998, FEPPASI and the producers of Sissili have taken an important step towards modernity.  In spite of their harsh and exhaustive agricultural work, these producers take time to put themselves at the rhythm of ICTs.  “New technologies should not be the only property of the intellectuals any more, because they also offer many opportunities to the peasants. ICT contributes to the increase and the improvement of their  production”, affirms Mr. Moussa Joseph Dagano, president of  FEPPASI.

Since 2005, with the support of the  International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD), FEPASSI tests the potential of ICT in terms of training, sensitization and professionnalisation of agricultural producers. The organisation managed to take advantage of the possibilities of multimedia tools such as digital camera, scanner, video projector in rural areas. These tools help the work of the trainer.  “Previously people fell asleep during our training sessions. Today thanks to our digital camera, we can show images of the evolution of our various agricultural test fields. In our exchange meetings with various producers, these images which we store on the computer allow us to make comparisons.  We project the images and discuss together to seize the causes of the successes and failures of the different agricultural fields. With the support of INERA, we make video projections on the agricultural techniques during trainings”, affirms Mrs Barry Korotimi, in charge of evaluation at FEPPASI.  According to her, it was difficult to convince a peasant only by words that his neighbour in the other village made more outputs per hectare than he made.  But with the images the people can visualize.  Thus, the images make it possible to overcome the limits of understanding certain topics, related to the illiteracy of these populations.  

To face the lack of information and communication of the producers, FEPASSI has of an internal newspaper and a website.  According to Mr. Dagano, today, a peasant that is member of FEPASSI cannot be mislead anymore. “Since our cybercentre exists in Boura, the union is member of an online exchange and newsgroup with other  unions and federations of the country and with external partners.  When necessary, a peasant in this rural district in remote Sissili, can contact his colleague of Bobo, Dédougou or Pouytenga to get correct information on cereals and other products, only in a few minutes”.  

By starting to use ICT, the farmers of Sissili have improved their production considerably. Starting with three hectares, then six hectares, Mr.  Dagano now exploits 40 hectares.  With his main crops which are corn, rice, he manages to provide the needs of his family and, even more, to ensure a proper education for his children. At present, FEPPASI is setting up a management information system for their production.    

By: Roukiattou Ouédraogo, Bntic