Burkina Faso: A traditional day to promote local products

To mark the month of local consumption, the Ministry in charge of the economy organized a traditional day. This traditional day is now in its third year. The ceremony was launched on Monday, October 30, 2023, after the colors were raised at the Ministry. Serge Poda, Minister in charge of handicrafts, was present at the ceremony.

Several local products are on display at the Ministry of the Economy. At noon, a special lunch featuring local dishes is planned.

Minister Nacanabo pointed out that the "consommons locaux" month was instituted to call attention to individual and collective responsibility in promoting local knowledge and products from Burkina Faso's heritage.

For him, local products are healthy. They are produced in Burkina Faso with fewer chemicals and preservatives.

"If you buy local products, you contribute to the dynamism of your region. When you go shopping in a local producers' store, you create jobs both in the store and on the farm", said the head of the department. According to him, consuming local products means promoting the know-how and quality of craftsmen and farmers. The Minister pointed out that local businesses pay taxes. This makes it possible to build infrastructures in various fields, such as health and education.

"Today, imperialism is not only on our plates. It's in our glasses, our wardrobes, often on our desks", said the Minister.

"During this 'consume local' month, we have been asked to step up actions to promote the consumption of local products, in particular local agro-sylvo- pastoral, artisanal and industrial products. In support of this local consumption policy, several actions have been undertaken by the ministry in charge of the economy. These include the signing of the decree adopting standard technical specifications for food products subject to public procurement on November 11, 2020. The decree defining the standard technical specifications for office furniture for public procurement in Burkina Faso, which was implemented through the signing of a framework agreement between the Chamber of Crafts and the government. The issuing of a decree promoting the wearing of Faso dan fani, Kokodonda and other traditional fabrics on June 2, 2023", explained Aboubacar Nacanabo.

The head of the ministry in charge of the economy pointed out that crafts occupy an important place in Burkina Faso's economy. He therefore called on all Burkinabè to consume everything that craftsmen produce.

Serge Poda, Minister of Crafts, welcomed the initiative of the Ministry of the Economy. The Minister recalled the authorities' vision of making local consumption a priority. "This initiative goes beyond the socio-economic aspect. It also addresses a question of public health and well-being in general. Consuming locally means consuming healthily. And it means consuming products that allow us to be in total well-being," said Minister Poda.

He invited other structures to follow in the footsteps of the ministry in charge of the economy.

Source: lefaso.net/