This paper explores the key factors influencing market participation decisions among smallholder lowland rice growers. Data were collected through purposive sampling technique. A total of 127 rice growers, from 16 lowlands (developed and traditional lowlands), was selected. Descriptive statistics and the probit regression model were used to analyse the data. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in yields between developed and traditional lowlands rice plots (“lowland development effect”). The regression results showed that farmers’ behaviours were not gender neutral; male producers were more likely to take part in the market as compared to their female counterparts, implying a “gender effect”. With respect to the effect of membership in farmers’ organization, the results indicate that farmers’ involvement in an organization, was in general negatively associated to their market participation decisions. However, farmers from lowlands with functional rice producers’ organizations were more likely to sell their products in the market. Interestingly, this study also highlighted that lowland rice producers’ ability to generate a marketable surplus (at least 20 kg/person/year) positively influence their market participation decision. As hypothesized, the results revealed that farmers who have access to potential buyers of the output (secured market outlets) were less likely to produce rice for self-consumption.

En lien avec le discours dominant le secteur de l'eau, le Burkina Faso s'est engagé depuis vingt ans dans une politique de gestion intégrée des ressources en eau. Le fort dynamisme institutionnel observé marque une spatialisation de la gestion des ressources en eau, sur la base des limites hydrographiques des bassins versants. L'approche adoptée reste cependant descendante et ne permet pas l'expression des perceptions et actions locales. Accompagner les dynamiques ascendantes apparaît comme une condition nécessaire de la territorialisation, donc de la durabilité, des politiques et des modes de gestion des ressources en eau. AfRiqUe de l'oUeSt, eAU, eSpAce gÉogRAphiqUe, geStion deS ReSSoURceS, teRRitoiRe ABStRAct.-Constructing space: Water agencies and committees in Burkina Faso-Over the last 20 years, Burkina Faso has engaged in reforms promoting integrated water resources management that are in line with dominant water discourses. The strong institutional drive outlines a spatialisation of water management, based on the watershed's hydrographic boundaries. The approach however remains top-down and does not acknowledge local views and efforts. There is a need to support local initiatives as they play a crucial role in constructing space, hence sustainably shaping the ways water resources are used and governed.

Land-use-change-induced increases in shallow groundwater levels across parts of the Sahel in recent years have coincided with expanded use of groundwater for irrigation. This study was conducted to assess the potential linkages and livelihood implications based on a field survey of nine villages building on previous hydrological studies. The results show that irrigators lack effective means of production and mostly rely on manual methods. Borehole usage is more profitable and reliable than shallower wells. Overall incomes from irrigation are relatively small and severely constrained by the limited field scale due to high establishment and operating costs. (Résumé d'auteur

The regional climate as it is now and in the future will put pressure on investments in sub-Saharan Africa in water resource management, fisheries, and other crop and livestock production systems. Changes in oceanic characteristics across the Atlantic Ocean will result in remarkable vulnerability of coastal ecology, littorals, and mangroves in the middle of the twenty-first century and beyond. In line with the countries' objectives of creating a green economy that allows reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved resource efficiency, and prevention of biodiversity loss, we identify the most pressing needs for adaptation and the best adaptation choices that are also clean and affordable. According to empirical data from the field and customized model simulation designs, the cost of these adaptation measures will likely decrease and benefit sustainable green growth in agriculture, water resource management, and coastal ecosystems, as hydroclimatic hazards such as pluviometric and thermal extremes become more common in West Africa. Most of these adaptation options are local and need to be scaled up and operationalized for sustainable development. Governmental sovereign wealth funds, investments from the private sector, and funding from global climate funds can be used to operationalize these adaptation measures. Effective legislation, knowledge transfer, and pertinent collaborations are necessary for their success.

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