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Thematic Area: Farmer Innovation

  • Row intercropping of cereals and legumes (sorghum-cowpea)

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    This document describes an improved intercropping system in Burkina Faso using alternating rows of sorghum and cowpea to enhance soil fertility, optimize yields, and improve resilience to climate variability. It details technical practices, varietal choices, planting strategies, and comparative performance data showing higher combined yields than monocropping. It also presents farmer perceptions, highlighting benefits such…

  • Combined Organic and Mineral Microdose Fertilization for Millet and Sorghum

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    This technical sheet presents an agroecological innovation combining organic manure (cow dung) with microdoses of mineral fertilizers (NPK and urea) to improve soil fertility and crop productivity in southern Mali. Tested through participatory trials, the approach significantly increases yields of millet and sorghum, enhances economic returns, and strengthens resilience to climate variability. It addresses soil…

  • Sorghum–Cowpea Intercropping in the Same Planting Hole

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    This document describes a traditional intercropping practice in Burkina Faso where sorghum and cowpea are grown in the same planting hole to optimize limited land and reduce climate risks. It details technical implementation, planting densities, and performance comparisons showing improved total yield and biomass in intercropping systems. It also presents farmer perceptions, highlighting benefits like…

  • Livestock Feed Formulation Using Agricultural By-products (CATHI-Gao Project)

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    This document describes a livestock feed formulation technique using locally available agricultural by-products such as millet stalks, cowpea haulms, pods, and bran. The process involves grinding, measuring, mixing, and properly storing feed to improve goat nutrition, health, reproduction, and manure quality while reducing waste. Introduced in 2019, the innovation supports smallholder farmers with practical, low-cost…

  • Livestock Feed Formulation Using Agricultural By-products

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    This document describes a method for formulating goat feed using locally available agricultural by-products such as millet stalks, cowpea haulms, pods, and bran. The process includes grinding, measuring, mixing, and proper storage to improve animal nutrition, health, reproduction, and milk production while reducing waste. Introduced in Niger, it supports sustainable livestock farming and resource recycling.…