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Innovation Type: Methodological

  • Agroecological Options Fair

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    A participatory methodological approach that enables farmers to co-design, select, and test combinations of agroecological practices directly in their fields. It integrates options from multiple projects and evaluates their performance at the territorial level under real farming conditions, fostering collective learning and data-driven decision-making. Organisation: Imaan Research; FUSCN (Mooriben); FUMA Gaskiya Author: Abdoul-Aziz Saidou; Boureima Seyni; Almoustapha…

  • Fertilization Options Basket for Agroecological Intensification

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    This innovation provides farmers with a range of fertilization options tailored to their specific environmental and economic contexts. By understanding soil fertility levels and the contribution of on-field vegetation, farmers can select suitable crops and fertilization strategies. The approach improves yields, reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers, and promotes sustainable soil management. Organisation: FUMA-Gaskiya Federation Author: Dr Hannatou…

  • Liquid biofertilizer from hygienized human urine for fonio production

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    This document presents a low-cost biofertilizer made from hygienized human urine enriched with organic materials such as poultry manure, ash, neem, and moringa leaves. Developed in Mali, it addresses low soil fertility in fonio production systems, particularly for women farmers who lack access to expensive mineral fertilizers. The innovation improves yields significantly (up to 1533…

  • Climate Resilience in Food Systems (CRIFS) – Agroecology Led by Women

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    This project focuses on the critical role of women farmers in building resilient and sustainable local food systems in the face of climate change. Conducted across five African countries, it follows 60 smallholder women farmers and analyzes how their agroecological practices, rooted in traditional knowledge, improve food security, biodiversity, and adaptation to climate variability. The…

  • Fonio Production Technology in Mali

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    This technical sheet presents fonio (Digitaria exilis) as a resilient crop suitable for poor and degraded soils, contributing to food security and income diversification in dry areas. Improved varieties such as Peazo show strong performance with yields exceeding 1 ton per hectare and revenues around 700,000 FCFA/ha. The document outlines production steps, challenges, and impacts…

  • 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…

  • Cereal-Legume Rotation (Sorghum–Cowpea)

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    This document explains the benefits of rotating sorghum and cowpea in Sudano-Sahelian systems as an alternative to fallow. It highlights improved yields, better soil fertility, and reduced pest and striga pressure compared to monoculture. It also discusses farmer perceptions, constraints such as land access, and recommendations for implementation. Organisation: LegAE Project / Agricultural Research in Burkina…

  • Enhancing Nutritional Value of Local Biodiversity Plants in Burkina Faso

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    This project promotes the nutritional potential of local edible plants from the Kulsé and Djôrô regions in Burkina Faso. It highlights their high vitamin A and protein content and their role in improving food security, dietary diversity, and resilience to climate variability. Nutritional analyses show that many of these plants can meet daily nutritional requirements,…

  • Cascade Training by Farmer Trainers in Burkina Faso

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    An endogenous agroecological scaling approach where selected farmers are trained by researchers and then disseminate knowledge to peers through demonstrations and farmer field schools. It addresses soil degradation, limited agricultural advisory access, and the need to reach many households efficiently, showing strong yield improvements through combined practices like Zaï, compost, and improved seeds. Organisation: INERA; AMSP…