33 development, which plays a key role in poverty reduction. In fact, investments in infrastructure (roads, irrigation) and measures aimed at improving access to high productivity inputs (improved seeds, subsidized fertilizer) have been made with a view to boosting food and cotton production and enhancing the resistance to climatic shocks, while eliminating food deficits. In the same dynamic, interventions have been implemented aimed at increasing the incomes of rural populations and promoting agricultural economy. They include: (i) the training of 1,248 actors, including 274 women, in agricultural entrepreneurship, (ii) organization of 37 trade fairs and exhibitions, (iii) construction of 12 food processing factories for farmers, and (iv) the construction of 12 conservation facilities out of the 84 planned, (v) the programme for promoting improved traditional poultry farming for the youth and women. Social expenditures on poverty reduction are defined as expenditures on sectors implementing priority programmes identified in the AGSDS to accelerate the achievement of the poverty reduction objectives. As at 30 June 2012, these expenditures amounted to CFAF 170 billion. They cover all the budget headings for the following ministries: Basic Education; Health; Social Action and National Solidarity; Promotion of Women; Public Service, Labour and Social Security (only the labour and social security components); Youth, Vocational Training and Employment; Agriculture and Hydraulics; Animal Resources; Environment and Sustainable Development. They also cover rural earth roads and infrastructure, Communication; Mining, quarries and energy; Justice and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The measures taken in the agricultural sector to fight against the rise in food prices in 2012 concerned: subsidies for fertilizers, supply of equipment and improved seeds to farmers, temporary exemptions from custom duties and the Value Added Tax (TVA) on essential commodities, sale of food products at social prices, suspension of the fuel price automatic adjustment mechanism. The actions taken in the area of food and nutritional security were focused on the implementation of the Plan opérationnel de soutien aux populations