The Yelemani Association: A Beacon of Resistance Against Desertification in Burkina Faso
In Burkina Faso, agroecology is more than a farming method—it is an act of resistance. With over 80% of the active population relying on agriculture for their livelihood, peasant movements and social organizations have played a vital role in defending the production of healthy food and achieving food self-sufficiency. This movement has been driven by a deep desire to overcome the lingering effects of French neocolonialism.
At the forefront of this effort is the Yelemani Association, founded in 2009 by Blandine Sankara, the sister of Thomas Sankara, the revolutionary leader who served as president from 1983 to 1987 before being assassinated. The name Yelemani means “change” or “transformation” in the Dyula language, the second most spoken language in Burkina Faso. This name encapsulates the organization’s mission: to transform the relationship between people, land, and food, while valuing local resources and restoring the dignity of the peasant world.
Agroecology is at the heart of this initiative, not just as a technique but as a tool for resistance against the dominant economic model that prioritizes profit over human life. For Blandine Sankara, cultivating in an agroecological way is a form of decolonization and a means of challenging the current economic order.
Four Pillars of Yelemani’s Work
The Yelemani Association operates on four key pillars:
- Production: Cultivating agroecological fruits and vegetables.
- Valorization of local products: Promoting and valuing local food items.
- Training: Educating farmers and students on agroecology and food sovereignty.
- Political advocacy: Influencing policies to support agroecology.
Through these efforts, the association has achieved remarkable results. It has reclaimed degraded lands, created a peasant seed bank, trained hundreds of individuals, and led national campaigns against genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and foreign corporations like Monsanto and the Bill Gates Foundation.
Agroecology as a Form of Resistance
Blandine Sankara emphasizes that agroecology is not only about producing food but also about changing mentalities and behaviors. She highlights the need to reject the chemical model of agriculture and instead promote food sovereignty. This approach challenges the colonization of mentalities and the invasion of imported products, seeds, and pesticides into local markets.
The Yelemani Association’s work is rooted in the legacy of the 1980s revolution in Burkina Faso, which deeply influenced its members. Blandine recalls how the “high cost of living crisis” from 2008 to 2011, marked by rising food prices, pushed the organization to focus on food sovereignty as a practical solution.
Results and Achievements
Since its inception, Yelemani has made significant progress. The association has regenerated abandoned soil in Lumbila, established a local products market, and created a peasant seed bank where farmers can access seeds and return double after harvest. It has also developed training modules on agroecology and food sovereignty, reaching farmers, students, and teachers.
Key victories include the expulsion of Monsanto in 2015 and the blocking of the “Target Malaria” project funded by the Bill Gates Foundation. Additionally, during the FESPACO film festival in 2019, Yelemani helped break the monopoly of a French company that restricted the sale of local juices, leading to a decree allowing local producers to sell their beverages.
The Impact of Colonization on Agriculture
Blandine reflects on the long-term effects of colonization on agriculture in Burkina Faso. During colonial rule, capitalism infiltrated traditional agricultural systems, forcing the modernization of subsistence farming into commercial and mechanized agriculture. Crops such as peanuts, cotton, and green beans were prioritized for export, often at the expense of local food security.
This shift led to the degradation of fertile lands and increased dependency on chemical inputs. The consequences of this export-oriented model are still felt today, with many farmers struggling to maintain productivity and food autonomy.
Current Government Support for Agroecology
Despite these challenges, there is growing recognition of agroecology in Burkina Faso. The country now has a national strategy for agroecology, which is rare in the region. Research indicates that while agroecological yields may initially be lower than those of conventional methods, they stabilize over time and offer greater resilience to climate change.
Blandine notes that industrialized agriculture, which depends on global markets, often excludes small-scale farmers and the environment. In contrast, agroecology promotes food sovereignty and local knowledge, offering a sustainable alternative.
International Solidarity and Lessons from Latin America
In 2018, the Yelemani Association welcomed militants from the Brazilian Landless Workers’ Movement (MST), an experience that inspired new ideas and strategies for peasant struggles in Burkina Faso. Blandine emphasizes the importance of uniting with Latin American movements to challenge the global system that exploits both peasants and natural resources.
She believes that while agroecology practices vary by region, the political aspect of resisting the current economic model is universal. By learning from Latin American experiences, African movements can strengthen their efforts to achieve food sovereignty and protect local communities.
Conclusion
The Yelemani Association stands as a powerful example of how agroecology can serve as a tool for resistance, decolonization, and sustainable development. Through its work, it continues to inspire a new generation of farmers and activists in Burkina Faso and beyond, proving that the fight for food sovereignty is not just about survival—it is about reclaiming dignity, autonomy, and a future rooted in local knowledge and ecological harmony.
