How a Young Agriculture Student in Burkina Faso Turned Passion into Purpose
‘In the heart of every young person lies the potential for greatness’
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In many rural African communities, youth are often perceived as detached from agriculture—more drawn to city life and office jobs than farming or community-based livelihoods. This perception partially reflects a reality: youth still see conventional farming as labor-intensive, poorly paid, and lacking dignity, and the lack of jobs in rural areas pushes many to leave their home in search of opportunities elsewhere.
But our experience in the field tells a different story.
If this were entirely true, why are so many young people still choosing to study agriculture in schools and universities? Each year, graduates emerge hoping to work with NGOs or community programs, motivated to serve their country and improve rural livelihoods.
This is the story of OUOBA Philippe, a young agricultural facilitator from Tibga, Burkina Faso, and now an agent at ANSD, a local organization that promotes agroecology, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
In September 2021, Philippe graduated from the Bagrépole Rural Development Training Institute (IFODER) as a Rural Development Agent, specializing in agro-sylvo-pastoralism. This holistic land-use approach integrates farming, tree cultivation, and livestock to enhance soil health, community resilience, and biodiversity.
Philippe Ouoba
How Philippe discovered ANSD
Driven by his passion for agriculture, Philippe knocked on the doors of eight different associations and NGOs, hoping to find work that matched his skills. For three months, he received no response. After six months, one association finally contacted him with an internship opportunity.
During this internship, Philippe monitored a market gardening project in the Diabo community. Nearby, he noticed a rice parboiling unit (a partial pre-cooking process done before milling) set up by ANSD. Curious, he visited one morning and watched a group of women working together to process rice.
This parboiling center—part of ANSD’s Local Markets program—aims to empower women, strengthen local food value chains, and support agroecological enterprises. Philippe was impressed and motivated by what he saw, and was determined to learn more about ANSD, and eventually participate in similar projects.
Upon his return to Fada N’Gourma, he immediately requested a meeting with ANSD’s director. Though there were no openings, he was encouraged to submit his documents for future considerations.
“I felt both disappointment and hope,” Philippe recalls. “I said that it was already a victory because, without knowing what they would do with my file, it was now in the hands of this organization. »
From student to communications manager
Two and a half months later, ANSD invited Philippe to join a training for youth reporters as part of the Youth Storyteller Program, a joint initiative by ANSD and Groundswell International. The program trains young people in storytelling and video reporting to document farmers’ agroecological practices.
Philippe said: “By joining this team of young people, I told myself that it was an opportunity to seize and the place to give the best of myself, to earn the trust of those in charge. It was also from that day that I understood that a dream can become a reality if it is accompanied by action and will.”
Alongside nine other participants, Philippe completed a one-week training and stood out as the most committed learner. He was chosen as team leader of the Youth Storyteller group, supporting peers in producing video reporting mission duties. He later became communications manager at ANSD—one of the program’s greatest success stories. The Youth Storyteller program builds media and leadership skills and creates real job pathways for youth, encouraging them to stay and contribute to their communities.
A dream come true
Philippe has recently transitioned to a new role as a field facilitator at ANSD. He now works daily with farmers, supporting the implementation and scaling of agroecological techniques. He has been actively contributing to improving the lives of farmers, as he had always dreamed of doing.
Philippe’s courage and determination are an inspiring example for young people. Despite facing rejection, violence in his home country, and the diverse blows of life, he has always fought to achieve his goals according to his values and dreams.
As ANSD continues to train and support young leaders in agroecology, Philippe is proud to share his success story with other youth. He states:
“I am very grateful to the Youth Storyteller program of Groundswell International, which opened the doors to such exciting work for me. To live this passion, I am committed to going everywhere in Burkina Faso for the course of a transformed food system towards agroecology”
Support Youth Like Philippe
Philippe’s story is just one example of the power of youth-led change. Through the Youth Storyteller Program, we equip young people with the tools, training, and opportunities to become leaders in their communities and champions of agroecology.
Help us grow the next generation of storytellers and changemakers.
About the author
Freda Aagyereyir Pigru
Freda Aagyereyir Pigru is Groundswell International’s West Africa Communications Coordinator. Prior to joining Groundswell International, Freda worked for six years with one of Groundswell’s partner organizations, Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development (CIKOD), based in Ghana as a community engagement officer implementing projects in the areas of agroecology, nutrition, women, and youth empowerment. She’s also worked with a community radio station in northwest Ghana as a reporter, host, producer, and station coordinator.