Les nouveaux acteurs et la promotion des activités agro-sylvo-pastorales dans le sud du Burkina Faso: Faux départ ou inexpérience?

Despite the achievements of small-scale family agriculture in Burkina Faso, government support is focused on the development of large farms. This paper looks at the emerging phenomenon in new farming policy and the new stakeholders or ‘agri-businessmen’ - employees, entrepreneurs and politicians. It examines the consequences of this form of agriculture for small family farms and asks whether it can represent a relevant alternative for agricultural development in the country. Is there still enough suitable land to allow this type of agriculture and small-scale family farming to cohabit? The paper looks at the new farming policy as it takes shape in the southern region of the country where these new stakeholders seem to be concentrated.