Balkissa Ouédraogo

A pioneering female agricultural entrepreneur who empowered women in rural Burkina Faso through sustainable farming innovations

Balkissa Ouédraogo (b. 1950) is a visionary agricultural leader from Burkina Faso whose work transformed rural economies through innovative farming techniques and gender equity initiatives. As founder of the Association for Women's Promotion (APROF), she pioneered agroforestry systems that increased crop yields while combating desertification. Her introduction of the 'Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration' (FMNR) technique restored over 200 million trees across West Africa, earning her the Right Livelihood Award in 2004.

Through APROF's training programs, Ouédraogo empowered 15,000+ women to become certified farmers, creating cooperatives that now generate $2.5 million annually in organic shea butter production. Her work inspired the African Union's Great Green Wall initiative, and she serves as UNDP climate change advisor. Learn more at GreenHero.org and Wikipedia.