Innovation Type: Technical

  • Improved Jar Innovation for Healthy Cowpea Storage

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    This document presents a local innovation that enhances traditional jars and silos to improve cowpea storage in Burkina Faso. By combining indigenous knowledge with scientific techniques, the method significantly reduces post-harvest losses caused by pests while maintaining nutritional quality and minimizing aflatoxin contamination. It relies on low-cost, locally available materials and promotes environmentally friendly practices.…

  • 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,…

  • Niobougouma Dual-Purpose Sorghum Variety

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    Niobougouma is an open-pollinated dual-purpose sorghum variety co-developed by research institutions and farmer organizations in Mali. It provides both grain for human consumption and high-quality fodder for livestock, improving food security, livestock feeding, and resilience to drought. The variety enhances agricultural productivity and supports integration between crop and livestock systems. Organisation: IER / ICRISAT / Farmer…

  • Sorghum-based Djouka Processing

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    This document presents a technical guide for producing Djouka from sorghum and peanuts to improve food security, nutrition, and income generation. It details the full processing steps, from raw material selection to packaging, and highlights its economic and nutritional advantages compared to traditional fonio-based Djouka. The innovation supports local food transformation and entrepreneurship, especially among…

  • Yebagasago Dual-Purpose Sorghum Variety

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    Yebagasago is a hybrid dual-purpose sorghum variety developed in Mali that produces both grain for human consumption and high-quality forage for livestock. It improves agricultural productivity, enhances resilience to drought, and helps address food and feed shortages while supporting integrated crop-livestock systems. Organisation: IER / ICRISAT / McKnight Foundation / Farmer Organizations Author: Karim Dagno; Assitan Daou…

  • Complementary flour based on malted sorghum, peanut, cowpea and baobab pulp

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    This document presents a nutritional innovation consisting of a locally produced complementary flour designed to combat malnutrition among vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly. It details the production process, ingredient proportions, nutritional values, and implementation steps, while promoting local value chains and women’s entrepreneurship. Organisation: Institut d’Economie Rurale (IER) /…

  • Dual-purpose sorghum and legume residues for livestock feeding in Mali

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    This project evaluates the use of sorghum straw combined with cowpea and groundnut residues as an alternative livestock feed during the dry season in Mali. Through feeding trials on sheep, it demonstrates that legume residues can partially replace wheat bran without reducing animal performance, thereby lowering feeding costs and improving resource use efficiency. Organisation: IER /…

  • Urgent Need to Regulate the Organic Fertilizer Market in Burkina Faso

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    This policy brief presents findings from a field study conducted in Ouagadougou on the market for organic fertilizers and bioinputs. It highlights major issues such as poor product quality, discrepancies between declared and actual nutrient content, weak regulatory enforcement, and low adoption rates among farmers. The document proposes policy actions including stronger quality control, regulatory…

  • Integrating GIS and Collaborative Databases to Boost Circular Economy in Ouagadougou

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    This document presents a study (2022–2024) on optimizing organic waste recycling in Ouagadougou באמצעות GIS and collaborative databases. It identifies organic waste sources, proposes ideal locations for recycling units, and promotes circular economy initiatives such as Bokashi fertilizer production. The project also emphasizes youth and women entrepreneurship, improved waste management logistics, and digital monitoring platforms.…

  • 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…