Deadline: 23-Jun-2026
AGRA Burkina Faso is inviting eligible organizations to submit concept notes for innovative projects that create dignified employment opportunities for young women and men through poultry and small ruminant value chains. The initiative is part of the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) program, implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation under the Young Africa Works strategy.
With a total budget of USD 2.57 million and a maximum implementation period of 36 months, the program aims to help at least 30,000 young people access employment opportunities while reaching 44,000 youth through awareness and engagement activities across Burkina Faso.
Overview
AGRA Burkina Faso is seeking implementation partners with proven expertise in livestock value chain development, youth employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihood creation.
The program focuses on strengthening poultry and small ruminant value chains to create inclusive economic opportunities for young people aged 18–35 years, particularly young women and persons with disabilities.
The initiative supports Burkina Faso’s efforts to improve food systems, strengthen local agricultural competitiveness, increase livestock productivity, and expand employment opportunities in rural and urban communities.
Funding Snapshot
- Funding Organization: AGRA
- Country: Burkina Faso
- Program: Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA)
- Strategic Partner: Mastercard Foundation
- Strategy Framework: Young Africa Works
- Total Funding Available: USD 2.57 Million
- Implementation Period: Up to 36 Months
- Target Beneficiaries: Young women and men aged 18–35
- Direct Employment Target: 30,000 young people
- Awareness and Outreach Target: 44,000 young people
Program Objectives
The initiative seeks to create sustainable and dignified employment opportunities for young people through inclusive livestock value chain development.
Key objectives include:
- Create employment opportunities for youth aged 18–35 years
- Increase participation of young women in livestock businesses
- Support youth entrepreneurship in agriculture
- Strengthen poultry and small ruminant value chains
- Improve incomes and livelihoods
- Promote financial inclusion
- Increase market participation
- Strengthen food systems
- Support inclusive economic growth
- Expand opportunities for people with disabilities
About the YEFFA Program
The Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) program is designed to create economic opportunities for young Africans through agriculture and agribusiness.
The program focuses on:
- Youth employment
- Entrepreneurship development
- Agricultural transformation
- Value chain strengthening
- Financial inclusion
- Sustainable livelihoods
- Food system development
YEFFA is implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation as part of the broader Young Africa Works strategy.
What is Young Africa Works?
Young Africa Works is a strategy that aims to enable millions of young Africans to access dignified and fulfilling work opportunities.
The initiative prioritizes:
- Young women
- Rural youth
- Agripreneurs
- Small business owners
- Underserved populations
The strategy supports innovative solutions that connect young people with employment, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunities.
Why Poultry and Small Ruminant Value Chains Matter
Livestock production is one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors in many African countries.
Increasing urbanization, population growth, and changing dietary preferences are driving greater demand for animal protein products.
This creates significant opportunities for youth employment across livestock value chains.
Poultry Sector Opportunities
The poultry industry offers opportunities in:
- Broiler production
- Hatchery operations
- Feed manufacturing
- Poultry health services
- Poultry processing
- Poultry marketing
- Distribution services
- Input supply businesses
Small Ruminant Sector Opportunities
The small ruminant value chain includes opportunities in:
- Sheep fattening
- Goat production
- Animal breeding
- Livestock marketing
- Veterinary services
- Feed supply
- Processing activities
- Livestock transportation
Key Focus Areas
Poultry Value Chain Development
The program aims to accelerate youth access to employment opportunities across poultry-related businesses.
Priority areas include:
- Broiler production
- Hatchery development
- Poultry input supply
- Feed production
- Poultry processing
- Market access solutions
Small Ruminant Value Chain Development
The initiative supports growth and innovation in small ruminant enterprises.
Priority areas include:
- Sheep fattening enterprises
- Goat production systems
- Livestock marketing
- Value addition
- Animal health services
- Supply chain development
Youth Entrepreneurship
The program promotes youth-led enterprises through:
- Business development support
- Enterprise incubation
- Skills development
- Market linkages
- Access to opportunities
- Entrepreneurship training
Inclusion and Gender Equality
Special attention will be given to:
- Young women
- Women-led businesses
- Persons with disabilities
- Marginalized youth groups
The program seeks to remove barriers that limit participation in livestock-related economic activities.
Expected Outcomes
Employment Outcomes
The project aims to:
- Enable at least 30,000 young people to access employment opportunities
- Increase youth participation in livestock value chains
- Create dignified and fulfilling jobs
- Support youth-led agribusinesses
Awareness and Engagement Outcomes
The initiative will:
- Reach 44,000 young people through awareness campaigns
- Promote livestock entrepreneurship opportunities
- Increase knowledge of value chain opportunities
- Encourage youth participation in agriculture
Economic Outcomes
Expected economic impacts include:
- Increased household incomes
- Improved livelihood resilience
- Expanded business opportunities
- Stronger local livestock industries
- Increased value chain competitiveness
Agricultural Outcomes
The project seeks to:
- Improve livestock productivity
- Strengthen supply chains
- Increase production efficiency
- Enhance market access
- Promote innovation in livestock systems
Challenges the Program Seeks to Address
The livestock sector faces several barriers that limit youth participation and growth.
These include:
Limited Access to Inputs
Many producers face challenges accessing:
- Quality feed
- Veterinary services
- Improved livestock breeds
- Production equipment
Market Access Constraints
Challenges include:
- Weak market linkages
- Limited processing capacity
- Poor value addition opportunities
- Inadequate distribution systems
Financial Inclusion Gaps
Many young entrepreneurs struggle with:
- Access to finance
- Business capital
- Credit facilities
- Investment opportunities
Skills and Knowledge Gaps
The program seeks to strengthen:
- Technical livestock skills
- Business management skills
- Entrepreneurship capabilities
- Market intelligence
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must be legally registered entities operating in Burkina Faso.
Eligible organizations include:
Private Sector Organizations
- Livestock companies
- Poultry enterprises
- Hatcheries
- Feed manufacturers
- Livestock processors
Producer-Based Organizations
- Producer organizations
- Agricultural cooperatives
- Livestock cooperatives
Business Support Organizations
- Business Development Service providers
- Enterprise incubators
- Entrepreneurship support organizations
Development Organizations
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Civil society organizations (CSOs)
Applicants should demonstrate experience in:
- Youth employment programs
- Livestock value chain development
- Entrepreneurship support
- Community engagement
- Agricultural development
- Partnership management
Why This Funding Opportunity Matters
Expanding Youth Employment
The initiative directly addresses youth unemployment by creating practical pathways into livestock-based enterprises and jobs.
Supporting Young Women
The program prioritizes gender inclusion by increasing access to opportunities for young women across livestock value chains.
Strengthening Food Systems
Improved livestock production contributes to food security, nutrition, and agricultural sustainability.
Driving Economic Growth
A stronger livestock sector can stimulate local economies, create jobs, and increase incomes throughout rural and urban communities.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organization:
- Is legally registered in Burkina Faso
- Has relevant technical experience
- Meets AGRA’s eligibility requirements
Step 2: Develop a Concept Note
Clearly outline:
- Proposed intervention model
- Target beneficiaries
- Employment creation strategy
- Expected outcomes
- Sustainability approach
- Partnership structure
Step 3: Align with Program Priorities
Demonstrate how your proposal contributes to:
- Youth employment
- Women’s empowerment
- Livestock value chain development
- Entrepreneurship support
- Financial inclusion
- Sustainable livelihoods
Step 4: Build Strategic Partnerships
Consider collaboration with:
- Producer organizations
- Livestock businesses
- Youth groups
- Women’s associations
- Financial institutions
- Technical service providers
Step 5: Submit Required Documentation
Ensure all application materials are complete and submitted according to AGRA’s guidelines.
Tips for a Strong Concept Note
- Focus on measurable employment outcomes
- Demonstrate innovation and scalability
- Include strong youth engagement strategies
- Prioritize women’s participation
- Address financial inclusion barriers
- Show clear sustainability plans
- Build strong local partnerships
- Present realistic implementation timelines
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak employment creation plans
- Limited focus on young women
- Unclear value chain interventions
- Lack of measurable indicators
- Poor sustainability planning
- Insufficient partnership arrangements
- Weak market access strategies
- Incomplete application documentation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the total funding available under this opportunity?
The total budget allocated for the program is USD 2.57 million.
Who are the primary beneficiaries?
The initiative targets young women and men aged 18–35 years, with particular emphasis on young women and persons with disabilities.
How many jobs does the project aim to create?
The program aims to enable at least 30,000 young people to access employment opportunities within poultry and small ruminant value chains.
How many young people will be reached through awareness activities?
The initiative seeks to reach approximately 44,000 young people through awareness and engagement activities.
Which livestock sectors are covered?
The opportunity focuses on poultry value chains, including broiler production and hatcheries, as well as small ruminant value chains such as sheep fattening and goat production.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include livestock companies, hatcheries, feed manufacturers, processors, cooperatives, producer organizations, incubators, Business Development Service providers, NGOs, and civil society organizations legally registered in Burkina Faso.
What is the maximum project duration?
Projects can be implemented for up to 36 months.
Conclusion
AGRA’s USD 2.57 million Poultry and Small Ruminant Value Chain Program represents a significant opportunity to create sustainable employment for young people in Burkina Faso. Through innovative interventions focused on livestock value chain development, entrepreneurship, inclusion, and market access, the initiative aims to empower at least 30,000 young women and men while strengthening local food systems and agricultural competitiveness.
Organizations with expertise in youth employment, livestock development, entrepreneurship, and community engagement should consider submitting concept notes that align with the objectives of the YEFFA program and the Young Africa Works strategy.
For more information, visit AGRA.