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Innovation Type: Methodological

  • Sorghum Double-Use Technology

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    This technical sheet presents a farming innovation consisting of cultivating sorghum varieties that produce both high grain yields for human consumption and significant biomass for animal feed on the same plot. The approach enhances food security, farmer income, and resilience in semi-arid tropical regions. Field trials in Mali (2024–2025) show yields exceeding 2 t/ha of…

  • Phospho-Compost Technology for Soil Fertility Improvement

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    This document presents a composting technique enriched with natural phosphate to improve soil fertility and crop nutrition in phosphorus-poor Sahelian soils. Developed under the CATHI-GAO project, it uses locally available biomass and Tahoua phosphate to enhance millet yields sustainably. The method includes detailed composting steps and demonstrates significant yield improvements. Organisation: CATHI-GAO Project / INRAN Author: Zounon…

  • Fortified Sorghum Flour with Moringa (No Premix)

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    This document presents the development of locally fortified sorghum-based flours enriched with moringa and other local ingredients (cowpea, peanut, baobab fruit, néré, carrot) to combat malnutrition in the Sahel. It details ingredients, formulations, production processes (as shown in the diagram on page 3), and evaluates nutritional composition and sensory acceptability (tables on pages 4 and…

  • Integration of tree clusters to improve millet yield

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    This document presents an agricultural practice consisting of managing clusters of woody species such as Guiera senegalensis and Piliostigma reticulatum to enhance soil fertility and increase millet yields. The method uses concentric planting zones with varying seed density to optimize productivity. It is a low-cost, sustainable solution adapted to Niger’s degraded soils. Organisation: CATHI-Gao Project Author: ZOUNON…

  • Processing of Millet into Couscous (Dambou)

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    This technical sheet describes the transformation of millet into a traditional couscous called ‘Dambou’ in Niger. It details the context, importance of millet for food security, and outlines a full processing chain including dehulling, milling, rolling, steaming, and drying. The document highlights the combination of traditional knowledge and improved techniques to enhance nutritional value, conservation,…

  • New short-cycle dual-purpose sorghum varieties (Koom-Kaviinre, Koom-Sii, Wenifoni)

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    This document presents the development and multi-location evaluation of three improved sorghum varieties in Burkina Faso. These varieties were bred from IRAT 204 and B35 to combine drought tolerance, grain yield, and forage production. Field trials over two years across three sites showed higher productivity and adaptability compared to existing varieties, with good stability and…

  • Processing Cowpea Grains into Dried Purée (Loulaye)

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    This document presents a technical guide for transforming cowpea grains into a dried purée called ‘loulaye’, a traditional food in Niger. The process includes sorting, dehulling, cooking, and drying to improve shelf life, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance nutritional value. The innovation supports food security, local value addition, and promotes agroecological production systems. Organisation: Institut National…

  • Early-cycle sorghum variety Kouria

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    This document presents a technical sheet describing Kouria, a newly improved early- to intermediate-cycle sorghum variety developed in Burkina Faso. It explains its development through mass selection, agronomic characteristics, yield performance (11.1% higher than the reference variety Kapelga), adaptation to Sudanian and Sudano-Sahelian zones, and recommended cultivation practices. The variety is dual-purpose (grain and forage),…

  • Production of enriched porridge from Boscia senegalensis seeds

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    This document presents a locally produced enriched flour made from Boscia senegalensis seeds combined with jujube pulp and baobab fruit pulp to address malnutrition in Sahelian regions. It details the processing steps (soaking, drying, milling, mixing), formulation proportions, and nutritional benefits, including improved protein, iron, and zinc content. The solution is affordable, locally accessible, and…

  • Participatory Seasonal Planning Workshops for Local Climate Risk Management

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    This document presents an approach based on participatory seasonal planning workshops designed to improve understanding and use of climate forecasts at the local level. It combines scientific forecasts with traditional knowledge to co-produce climate scenarios and adaptation strategies. The initiative enhances decision-making and resilience among local communities facing climate variability. Organisation: Centre Imaan de support en…