Blandine Sankara is now the patron of Ucoopia

Blandine Sankara, an activist agroecologist from Burkina Faso and founder of the Yelemani association, has now become a patron of Ucoopia, alongside Olivier Hamant. It is an honor for our NGO to have the support and trust of this international figure who is committed to food sovereignty.

Food sovereignty as a guiding principle

A sociologist by training, Blandine Sankara has established herself over the years as a leading figure in agroecology in West Africa.

His commitment is rooted in a strong conviction: food sovereignty—the right of peoples to determine their own agricultural and food systems—is essential to building just and resilient societies.

From an early age, she developed a critical perspective on mainstream agricultural models and championed agroecology not only as a way of farming, but also as a deeply social and political movement that empowers communities to regain control over their food supply.

Blandine Sankara and Ucoopia: Let’s talk!

The partnership between Blandine Sankara and Ucoopia is based on a shared vision: that of a more just world, where agricultural and economic models contribute to the preservation of the planet and the well-being of people. “We share the conviction that agroecology is much more than a technique: it is an act of dignity, justice, and empowerment. We thank her for placing this principle at the heart of our collective endeavor,” says Julie Simon, CEO of Ucoopia.

Like Ucoopia, Blandine Sankara is also convinced of the importance of fostering dialogue between different forms of knowledge. “Ucoopia’s initiative serves as a reminder of Yelemani’s vision: that the most sustainable solutions emerge where research meets the field, where academic expertise engages with local knowledge, and where innovation takes root in lived realities,” she states.

By becoming a patron of Ucoopia, Blandine Sankara is helping to expand the NGO’s reach and open up new opportunities for collaboration. “For me, being a patron isn’t just a symbolic title—it’s a commitment. A commitment to making a contribution rooted in reality, informed by the lived experiences of communities, particularly women and young people. It’s also a commitment to learning, because cooperation is, above all, a relationship of exchange,” concludes the agroecologist.

Read his full speech, delivered at the launch of Ucoopia in Belgium on Thursday, April 9: