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Innovation Type: Social

  • Biological control of millet head miner using Habrobracon hebetor in the Sahel

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    This document presents an agroecological innovation using the native parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor to control the millet head miner (Heliocheilus albipunctella), a major pest causing up to 100% yield losses in the Sahel. The approach involves releasing parasitoids in fields via bags or boxes, reducing pest populations while limiting chemical pesticide use. Implemented across Niger, Mali,…

  • Traditional snack ‘Mugudugu’ to combat child malnutrition

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    This innovation develops a nutrient-rich traditional infant food made from local cereals, legumes, and non-timber forest products like baobab, néré, and moringa. It significantly improves protein, energy, and micronutrient intake for children aged 6 months to 5 years while remaining affordable and locally producible. Combining traditional knowledge with scientific research, it supports rural nutrition and…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Habbanayé Solidarity Livestock Transfer for Women Empowerment and Soil Fertility

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    A community-based system where vulnerable rural women receive goats for breeding, then pass on offspring to other women. This improves income, strengthens social solidarity, and enhances soil fertility through manure use while reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Organisation: CATHI-Gao Project / INRAN Author: Dr Hannatou Moussa Maturity description: Implemented and expanding View document

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • OGA Biofertilizer from Sanitized Human Urine

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    This document presents an agroecological innovation from Niger where sanitized human urine (OGA) is used as a low-cost natural fertilizer. It improves millet yields by up to 30%, addresses soil fertility decline, reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers, and promotes waste valorization. The practice is simple, widely adopted, and particularly empowering for women. Organisation: Fuma Gaskiya Author: Ali…

  • 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…