Amélioration des systèmes de production mixtes en Afrique soudano-sahélienne. Rôle de l'espèce Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taub. (synthèse bibliographique)

Abstract

Improvement of mixed farming systems in Sudano-Sahelian Africa. Role of the species Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taub. A review. Introduction. In Sudano-Sahelian Africa, the traditional farming systems are no longer able to meet the food needs of the population. In order to sustainably improve the food security of small family farms, agro-ecological practices are increasingly being promoted by research and development organizations. Literature. Several studies have shown that agricultural productivity can be sustainably improved through a better integration of agriculture and livestock activities. One approach currently being considered is the integration into farming systems of Stylosanthes hamata (L.) Taub: a herbaceous annual to short-lived perennial. This plant has the proven potential to enhance the performance of cropping systems in many ways. It also allows for the critical production of a high quality fodder for animal feed, from the second year after planting onwards. However, phytosanitary, technical, environmental and / or socio-economic constraints would need to be lifted to allow a better integration of the crop into farming systems. Conclusions. Integration of S. hamata into the farming systems of the Sudano-Sahelian regions presents potential benefits that merit further investigation, in order to identify the appropriate modalities for this integration.

Keywords

• Agriculture
• animal husbandry
• mixed farming
• Stylosanthes hamata