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Thematic Area: Farmer Innovation

  • 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…

  • Early-cycle sorghum variety Kouria

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    This document presents a technical sheet describing Kouria, a newly improved early- to intermediate-cycle sorghum variety developed in Burkina Faso. It explains its development through mass selection, agronomic characteristics, yield performance (11.1% higher than the reference variety Kapelga), adaptation to Sudanian and Sudano-Sahelian zones, and recommended cultivation practices. The variety is dual-purpose (grain and forage),…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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,…

  • 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

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Use of Live Black Soldier Fly Larvae in Broiler Chicken Feed

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    This document presents an innovation using live Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSF) as an alternative protein source in poultry feed. The larvae contribute to circular economy by converting organic waste into high-protein biomass and nutrient-rich fertilizer. A feeding trial on broiler chickens shows that a daily supplementation of 6g larvae maintains comparable growth performance to…

  • 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…