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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…

  • Improved Traditional Cowpea Storage Practices in Burkina Faso

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    This document presents an innovation that enhances traditional cowpea storage methods using local materials such as clay, ash, cow dung, and repellent plants. It significantly reduces post-harvest losses caused by insect attacks (previously 40–60%) while preserving nutritional quality, including stable protein content and low aflatoxin levels. The approach combines traditional knowledge with scientific improvements to…

  • FUMA-FRN: Farmer Research Network

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    An agroecological research approach based on co-learning, co-creation, and knowledge sharing, enabling farmers to actively shape research agendas, collaborate with researchers, and scale innovations through networks. It strengthens participation, improves contextualized research, and enhances knowledge exchange while bridging gaps between farmers and scientific communities. Organisation: FUMA Gaskiya Author: Ali Maman Aminou et al. Maturity description: Well established and…

  • FUMA-FRN Large-N Participatory Research Approach

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    A large-scale participatory research approach designed to reach many farmers across diverse contexts using localized support systems. It progressively expands from small pilot groups to large-scale implementation, combining agroecological intensification options, farmer-led experimentation, and digital data collection. The approach strengthens farmer engagement, adapts to local conditions, and integrates research with extension services. Organisation: Fuma Gaskiya Author: Ali…