Burkina Faso is turning pineapple cultivation into a symbol of its drive for greater food self-sufficiency, challenging assumptions about what can grow in the Sahel. Farmer Oumarou Compaoré began cultivating pineapples during the COVID-19 pandemic and has demonstrated that the fruit can thrive despite the country’s dry, sandy, and stony conditions. Another farmer has expanded her operation to around 60,000 seedlings after seeing Compaoré’s success. The government has embraced such efforts as part of a broader campaign to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen domestic food production. The push aligns with broader food sovereignty efforts, including a recent ban on rice imports. Analysts say food sovereignty is both politically significant and essential to maintaining social stability.