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Thematic Area: Farmer Innovation

  • Food diversification: potential of mungbean

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    This document presents the potential of mungbean (Vigna radiata) as a crop for food diversification in semi-arid regions, particularly in Burkina Faso. It highlights its nutritional value, drought tolerance, and short growth cycle, along with agronomic practices and yield comparisons with other legumes. It also discusses farmer perceptions, including constraints such as labor-intensive harvesting and…

  • KaanLoboTongRiibo poultry feed for guinea fowl productivity

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    A locally developed feed supplement made from maize, cowpea, and fish bone powder that increases guinea fowl egg production from 100 to 150 eggs, extends laying duration, improves weight gain, and helps prevent diseases. It also generates income and strengthens the poultry value chain. Organisation: Groupe de Paysans Innovateurs Wend-Songda Author: Groupe de Paysans Innovateurs Wend-Songda Maturity…

  • 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…

  • Soom-boumbri hybrid meat rabbit

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    This document presents an innovation consisting of a hybrid meat rabbit (Soom-boumbri) created by crossing Hyla and local breeds to improve animal production in rural Burkina Faso. The rabbit shows high growth, disease resistance, and prolific reproduction (8–10 offspring per litter). The project demonstrates economic profitability, improved food security, and environmental benefits through reduced pressure…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • CEF-M: Digital Farm Management Tool

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    CEF-M is a digital tool designed for the integrated management of family farms, supporting planning, monitoring, and evaluation of agricultural activities. It combines mobile data collection (XLSForms) with a web platform for data centralization, analysis, and access. Adapted to low-connectivity contexts, it includes visual and audio interfaces to ensure accessibility for low-literacy users, improving decision-making,…

  • Improved forage production and utilization for sheep fattening in Korsimoro, Burkina Faso

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    This document presents a participatory study on the production of improved dual-purpose sorghum and cowpea varieties and their use in sheep fattening systems. It evaluates forage yields, feeding strategies, animal performance, and economic profitability, showing that improved rations significantly enhance growth and returns. The study promotes integrated and resilient livestock systems for smallholder farmers. Organisation: CNRST/INERA…