Efficiency of agroecological practices in the municipality of Arbollé (Burkina Faso)

Abstract

In Burkina Faso, climate hazards combined with human activities have led to the
degradation of agricultural lands in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid zones. To
address this situation, agroecology has been introduced to promote more rational and
sustainable land use. This study aims to assess the impact of agroecological practices
on agricultural resources in the commune of Arbollé. A systemic approach was
adopted, combining individual interviews, focus groups, direct observations, and
agricultural monitoring. Data collection tools included GPS, interview guides, and
Google Earth imagery, while data processing relied on applications such as QGIS,
GRASS, and Excel.The results show the implementation of practices such as zaï, half-
moons, stone bunds, and agroforestry across various soil types and toposequences
within the commune. Agricultural data indicate that half-moon practices yielded an
estimated 1,464 kg in 2022, covering 13.96 % of the communal area. An optimistic
scenario simulation identified three levels of zones suitable for sorghum cultivation :
highly, moderately, and poorly suitable, representing 4.13 %, 40.25 %, and 55.61 %
of the communal area, respectively. The most favorable zones are located in the north
and west of the commune, offering an alternative strategy to combat land degradation.