The economic structure is dominated by the agrarian section. Industrial growth is slow and will not change the situation for a long time at present growth rates. Most of the Gross National Product is still derived from agricultural production.

In the past, some prices were fixed (grain was the most important), but now prices fluctuate according to supply and demand. Some services have been privatized, such as the railway system, veterinary services, and some agricultural production facilities like chicken and egg farms.. Some private medical services are available. These are growing slowly but are currently available to only a small minority in cities and towns.

Subsistence agriculture still provides about 90% of employment. Most of the work is done by hand labor. A typical farmer would use a couple of hoes ("dabas") of different sizes, a small knife for harvest, and perhaps a machete for clearing land. The use of animal traction is growing and is becoming important in some areas. The Gross National Product has increased in recent years, but it started with a very low base and thus is small in comparison to industrialized nations.

Most economic activity is divided between agricultural sales and sales by small commercial operations. In rural areas, people would still do most of this buying and selling in the local markets.  Exceptions would be for building materials, motor bikes and a few other large items.

Family relationships still have a dominant effect on the economy because people go to family members for help in crisis situations. Family members are expected to sell anything of value and help them. Therefore, it is very difficult to accumulate wealth because someone in the extended family is always in need. This makes it difficult to build or maintain the necessary capital for starting and operating small businesses.

Prices are controlled primarily by supply and demand. Imported goods are taxed heavily.

The money supply is controlled by the central bank. Commercial banks are mainly private institutions. Banks deal directly with only a small segment of society because most people do not have enough money to deposit or collateral for loans.

There are a few wealthy people in Mossi society who have acquired their wealth mainly through commerce. The middle class is small and is dominated by government workers and small business people, however, it is growing slowly. Most people still live in poverty.

Barter culture is still significant in remote rural areas but it is steadily declining.

The value of exports is still low and imports exceed exports. Aid from other countries probably affects the economy more than trade.

Social Security is available through the government for the small percentage of people who have steady jobs. Most people rely on their children for security and this encourages large families.

Most families (70 to 80%) still support themselves by subsistence agriculture. Grain grown in the family’s field provides most of the food along with some peanuts, peas, okra, etc. Livestock would be used mainly to get cash or eaten only on special occasions. A few people would have a trade such as masonry or basket making. Non-traditional forms would be city jobs but these are available to only a few. A few make most of their living by commerce in the local village. Significant support comes from family members working in Ivory Coast.