A Man's Quest to Transform Burkina Faso

In a land where the sun blazes and the soil has long been dedicated to subsistence farming, a remarkable transformation is quietly taking root. Burkina Faso, a country not traditionally known for wine production, is witnessing the birth of its first vineyards, thanks to the efforts of François Desirè Bazie. Bazie, an asylum seeker turned vintner, is spearheading an ambitious project that could not only reshape the agricultural landscape of his homeland but also provide new economic opportunities for its people.

Bazie's journey into the world of viticulture began far from the arid plains of Burkina Faso. His story is one of resilience and passion. Born in Burkina Faso, Bazie sought asylum in Piedmont, Italy, during the 2000s, fleeing conflict in Côte d'Ivoire where he had been residing. It was in Italy, amidst the rolling vineyards of the Colli Apuani region north of Tuscany, that Bazie discovered his love for winemaking. He established his own winery, InCandiaBio, specializing in organic wines.

This newfound passion was not just a professional calling but a personal mission. Bazie harbored a deep desire to see his products enjoyed in his homeland and recognized the growing interest in wine among Burkinabé citizens. His dream of bringing wine culture to Burkina Faso began to take shape, driven by a vision of introducing not just a new agricultural product, but also a new cultural experience.

Bazie's first venture into viticulture in Burkina Faso began with a bold experiment: planting Vermentino vines from his Italian vineyard on a three-hectare plot near his family's home in Bagré. The region, blessed with sufficient water resources, presented a promising site for viticulture. This initial effort quickly garnered attention and support from the Burkinabé government, which saw potential in the project to diversify the nation's agriculture and reduce its dependence on food imports.

The government's backing facilitated a significant expansion of Bazie's project. To date, approximately 1,500 vines have been planted in Bagré, with plans to add another 18,000 in the coming months. The selected grape varieties—Sangiovese, Vermentino, Malvasia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay—reflect Bazie's Italian expertise and an adaptive approach to the local climate and soil conditions.

Toussaint Sampo, Director of Crop Production at Burkina Faso's Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the broader aspirations of this initiative. The first phase aims to cover 10 hectares across various regions, with future expansions potentially increasing this to 40 hectares. The project is part of a larger government strategy to promote food security and provide alternatives to the predominant subsistence farming.

Beyond the agricultural and cultural aspects, Bazie's project is poised to make a substantial social impact. Burkina Faso, with more than 40% of its population living below the poverty line, faces significant economic challenges. The country's limited natural resources and lack of diversified economic activities contribute to a high rate of youth emigration, as young people leave in search of better opportunities.

The emerging wine industry offers a promising new avenue for economic development. Bazie's project alone is expected to create numerous jobs, from vineyard management to wine production. Currently, 80 future wine industry workers are being trained, equipped with skills that could open doors to new livelihoods. This training initiative underscores the project's potential to not only create employment but also to retain the nation's youth, offering them a viable alternative to migration.

The vision for Burkina Faso's wine industry includes the establishment of its first winery, possibly in the capital, Ouagadougou, within the next year. The inaugural vinification is planned for the following year, marking a significant milestone in the country's agricultural history.

Bazie himself plans to continue his close involvement, making regular visits to oversee the project's progress and ensure its success. His commitment reflects a broader hope—that this venture will do more than diversify Burkina Faso's economy. It could symbolize a new chapter in the nation's development, one that offers hope, retains talent, and introduces a novel facet of cultural identity.

As Bazie's vineyards begin to flourish under the African sun, they stand as a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and the transformative potential of agriculture. The grapes that grow in the sands of Burkina Faso today may well become a symbol of a brighter, more prosperous future for its people.