History

This Order was founded by Decree on December 19, 1996. It is conferred upon Burkinabé citizens of at least 25 years of age in recognition of long and meritorious service of at least 10 years in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry, crafts, fish farming, and forestry. When conferred posthumously, it is awarded in recognition of acts of bravery that were performed during service. The Order may also be conferred upon foreigners or awarded in absence of service requirements, but only under exceptional circumstances. Promotion to a higher grade may be made after 5 years in the lower grade accompanied by additional merits.

The Order may be awarded with a clasp that denotes the type of recognised merit. The clasps include:
- AGRICULTURE
- ARTISANAT (Crafts)
- ELEVAGE (Animal Husbandry)
- ENVIRONNEMENT (Environment)
- PECHE ET PISCICULTURE (Fishing and Fish Farming)

The obverse inscription translates to “Order of Merit of Rural Development,” and the reverse inscription translates to “Burkina Faso, Unity, Progress, Justice.”