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Thematic Area: Soil Health

  • Village Agroecological Committee (CAE) Implementation

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    This document describes an endogenous approach to scaling agroecology in Burkina Faso through the creation of village-level agroecological committees. These committees strengthen local leadership, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and address the lack of extension services. The approach includes participatory diagnosis, organizational design, structuring, and continuous capacity building to ensure long-term sustainability and local ownership. Organisation: INERA;…

  • Endogenous Data Collection Network (RECD)

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    A community-based monitoring and evaluation system where trained local farmers use smartphones and digital tools (KoboCollect, KoboToolbox) to collect agronomic, nutritional, and socio-economic data in insecure or hard-to-reach areas. The initiative enhances data reliability, local autonomy, and resilience while enabling real-time scientific tracking of agroecological practices. Organisation: Consortium Groundswell International (GI), ANSD, AMSP, INERA Author: INERA /…

  • Fertilization Options Basket for Agroecological Intensification

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    This innovation provides farmers with a range of fertilization options tailored to their specific environmental and economic contexts. By understanding soil fertility levels and the contribution of on-field vegetation, farmers can select suitable crops and fertilization strategies. The approach improves yields, reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers, and promotes sustainable soil management. Organisation: FUMA-Gaskiya Federation Author: Dr Hannatou…

  • 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…

  • Fonio Production Technology in Mali

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    This technical sheet presents fonio (Digitaria exilis) as a resilient crop suitable for poor and degraded soils, contributing to food security and income diversification in dry areas. Improved varieties such as Peazo show strong performance with yields exceeding 1 ton per hectare and revenues around 700,000 FCFA/ha. The document outlines production steps, challenges, and impacts…

  • Phospho-Compost Technology for Soil Fertility Improvement

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    This document presents a composting technique enriched with natural phosphate to improve soil fertility and crop nutrition in phosphorus-poor Sahelian soils. Developed under the CATHI-GAO project, it uses locally available biomass and Tahoua phosphate to enhance millet yields sustainably. The method includes detailed composting steps and demonstrates significant yield improvements. Organisation: CATHI-GAO Project / INRAN Author: Zounon…

  • Integration of tree clusters to improve millet yield

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    This document presents an agricultural practice consisting of managing clusters of woody species such as Guiera senegalensis and Piliostigma reticulatum to enhance soil fertility and increase millet yields. The method uses concentric planting zones with varying seed density to optimize productivity. It is a low-cost, sustainable solution adapted to Niger’s degraded soils. Organisation: CATHI-Gao Project Author: ZOUNON…

  • 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…

  • 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…