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Innovation Type: Methodological

  • Watermelon cultivation as an innovation for agricultural diversification in Toéghin

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    This document presents the introduction of watermelon cultivation (Citrullus lanatus) in Toéghin, Burkina Faso, as a strategy to diversify agricultural production and improve resilience to climate change. After three years of experimentation, farmers achieved high yields (31,600 kg/ha) and strong economic returns while improving nutrition and using agroecological inputs like compost and biopesticides. Organisation: Diobass Ecologie…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Bokashi P+ Technical Sheet

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    This document presents Bokashi P+, an improved organic fertilizer enriched with phosphate and nitrogen, produced from urban organic waste and effective microorganisms. It addresses the limitations of traditional compost and Bokashi by offering faster production, higher nutrient content, and bioprotective effects. The innovation improves yields, supports organic certification, and enhances farmers’ income while reducing reliance…

  • AgroGaskiyAI Crop Yield Prediction Model

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    AgroGaskiyAI is a hybrid artificial intelligence model designed to predict agricultural yields, analyze production variability factors, and support strategic decision-making. It integrates biophysical data and farmer knowledge into a unified, explainable system, helping anticipate production deficits and optimize resource allocation in climate-vulnerable farming systems. Organisation: FUMA Gaskiya Author: Mahaman Lawali Inoussa Garba; Naroua Harouna; Chaibou Kadri; Maman…

  • Comparison of Legume Species in Sorghum Rotations under Sudano-Sahelian Conditions

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    This study analyzes the short-term effects of 14 legume species used in rotation with sorghum in Burkina Faso. Despite differences in biomass production and nitrogen fixation, no significant variation in sorghum yield was observed depending on the preceding legume species. The findings suggest that nitrogen availability is not the main driver of yield improvement, likely…