Evolution of endogenous agricultural practices in rural communes of northern Burkina Faso

In Burkina Faso, there is significant soil degradation due to inadequate nutrient management and farming practices that are unsuited to climatic and soil conditions. Agroecological practices represent endogenous solutions to these challenges. The aim of this research is to analyze the evolution of endogenous agricultural practices in northern Burkina Faso, in a context of influence from external organizations. Our study uses an analytical framework based on the concept of transition to agroecology. It is based on eight focus groups and 46 individual interviews. The results of the data analysis show a wide range of endogenous practices known and used by farmers, which can be considered as agroecological practices. Some of these practices have been improved over time to increase their effectiveness and efficiency, thanks to the support of external players, such as research and development programs. Farmers are improving their endogenous practices (fallow, composting) and adopting new sustainable soil management practices (fodder crops, improved seeds, crop associations and sowing in rows). The two communes studied are engaged in an agroecological transition process involving major transformations of the agroecosystem as a whole.