Why do many people in Burkina Faso rely on subsistence farming and livestock raising?

In Burkina Faso, approximately nine-tenths of the population engages in subsistence agriculture and livestock raising as a primary means of livelihood. This reliance is largely a result of the country's economic structure, which is characterized by limited industrial development, a small market economy, and a lack of direct access to the sea.1

The agricultural sector is essential for local food security, with farmers producing staples such as sorghum, millet, corn, and rice. Livestock raising serves as a critical source of revenue for many households. However, these activities are frequently challenged by the country's climate, which ranges from semiarid in the north to tropical wet-dry in the south. Severe, intermittent droughts often exacerbate difficult economic conditions, forcing many to migrate in search of employment. As one of the world's poorest nations, Burkina Faso remains heavily dependent on international aid and remittances to support its economy.2314