Intensification agricole en région sahélo-soudanienne. 1. Itinéraires techniques dans un contexte à risques

Abstract

Intensification of farming in the Sahelian-Sudanese region. 1. Crop management sequence in a risk context.An experimentation carried out in a station during five consecutive years compared the traditional farming system of the Senegalese groundnut basin to two modernized systems, based on a close synergy between agriculture and livestock productions: a system intensified by draught cultivation (oxen) and a system using heavy motorization. The experimentation, implemented at a real farm scale, has taken place in pedo-climatic conditions representative of the region. By producing manure and an important work force, livestock strongly contributes to the success of farming activities. Results show that the suggested intensification models have a beneficial effect on the soil fertility. Several technical options are put forward aiming at a reduction of the risks linked to climatic hazards. Among the main adjustments considered in the modernized systems, we can mention: crop diversification, rotation between cereals and short duration crops ("bissap", black-eyed cowpeas), planned minerai fertilizer application and judicious selection of growing season and soil tilling procedures. Results provide interesting technical references for setting up development programs

Keywords

• Senegal
• groundnut basin
• agriculture-livestock
• intensification
• diversification
• climatic risks