Opportunities and constraints for farmers of west Africa to use seasonal precipitation forecasts with Burkina Faso as a case study

Ingram, K. T.; Roncoli, M. C.; Kirshen, Paul

doi:10.1016/s0308-521x(02)00044-6

Cited by 317 publications

(267 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…The Mossi and Fulani originate from the central plateau and northern region of Burkina Faso. The exposure of the central plateau and northern regions to drought and desertification affects farming and livestock activities and explains the push factor for migrants to the southern region [32]. Aside from better opportunities for rain-fed agriculture, fuelwood supply, and wood and forest products offered by the southern region compared to other regions, the climate and soils also support tree growing activities with very little inputs.…”

Section: Study Sitesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Smallholders’ Tree Planting Activity in the Ziro Province, Southern Burkina Faso: Impacts on Livelihood and Policy Implications

Etongo

Djenontin²,

Kanninen

et al. 2015

Forests

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Climate variability and change significantly affect smallholder farmers' food security and livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa. Tree planting is one of the measures promoted by development programs to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Tree planting is also believed to positively contribute to livelihoods. This paper examines factors influencing smallholders' tree planting activities in four villages in the Ziro province, Southern Burkina Faso. Furthermore, it analyses the challenges encountered and willingness to continue tree planting under current tenure arrangements. The data was obtained through key informants, household interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. Results indicate that the majority of farmers interviewed planted Mangifera indica (50%), Anacardium occidentale (32%) and Moringa oleifera (30%). In a number of trees planted, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Mangifera indica and Anacardium occidentale dominated. Tree planters were mainly farmers who held large and old farm areas, were literate and relatively wealthy, had favorable attitudes toward tree planting, and with considerable years of participation in a farmers' group. The main reasons for planting trees included income generation from the sale of tree products, access to markets and local support for tree planting. Preference for agriculture, tenure insecurity and lack of sufficient land were the main reasons cited for not planting trees. Farm households that were relatively poor, had OPEN ACCESSForests 2015, 6 2656 smaller workforces and smaller farm sizes were not willing to continue tree planting. To effectively engage farmers in tree planting and to make it more attractive, policies are needed that address tenure insecurity for migrants, enable better access to markets, and support fair pricing structures for wood and other tree resources.

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Section: Study Sitesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Smallholders’ Tree Planting Activity in the Ziro Province, Southern Burkina Faso: Impacts on Livelihood and Policy Implications

Etongo

Djenontin²,

Kanninen

et al. 2015

Forests

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“…No one plants these anymore and all the millet and sorghum are short-cycle varieties. (HH 02, Pouni, 8/1/2004) Long-cycle sorghum and millet varieties (i.e., 120-day) could have potentially withstood the flooding that occurred in 2003, but they have disappeared from the region and farmers' grain repertoires (see Ingram et al 2002). Some farmers similarly stated they now "expect the rainy season to be cut" (anticipate extended dry spells during the rainy season); put less effort into their upland fields, and subsequently rely more heavily on their lowland fields.…”

Section: Natural Capitalmentioning

confidence: 99%

Documenting livelihood trajectories in the context of development interventions in northern Burkina Faso

West

2013

Journal of Political Ecology

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The northern Central Plateau of Burkina Faso has been the site of extensive development assistance since the 1980s. Thousands of hectares of degraded land have been rehabilitated through investments in Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) techniques. Comprehensive assessments of these projects have documented their beneficial impacts. This study extends these insights to consider the effects of SWC on livelihood sustainability by comparing recent household-level indicators with studies conducted twenty years earlier. Comparing quantitative data from two different points in time allows researchers to identify 'livelihood trajectories', or the general direction of either improvement or decline. The results show that although SWC investments have improved the natural capital of Mossi households, improvements in other forms of capital have accrued mostly among wealthy households.Key words: Livelihoods, development, Mossi, Burkina Faso

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“…Among the possible adaptation measures are identification of drought tolerant crop varieties, irrigation and water management. An operational agro-meteorological information system can provide farmers with advice and warning during the planning phase and the growing season (Roncoli et al 2003;Roncoli et al 2001;Konaté 2004;Ingram et al 2002;FAO 1996).…”

Section: Adaptation Perspectives and Strategiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Agriculture, livelihoods and climate change in the West African Sahel

Sissoko¹,

et al. 2010

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The West African Sahel is a harsh environment stressed by a fast-growing population and increasing pressure on the scarce natural resources. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood of the majority of the people living in the area. Increases in temperature and/or modifications in rainfall quantities and distribution will substantially impact on the natural resource on which agriculture depends. The vulnerability of livelihoods based on agriculture is increased and most likely exacerbate and accelerate the current 'downward spiral' of underdevelopment, poverty and environmental degradation. Notably, droughts, a short rainy season and/or very low rainfall will be felt by current systems. To cope with the difficult climatic situation, farm households have developed a range of strategies including selling of animals and on-farm diversification or specialization. At regional level, early warning systems including an operational agro-meteorological information system already provide farmers with crucial information. Substantial political, institutional and financial efforts at national and international level are indispensable for the sustenance of millions of lives. In terms of development, priority needs to be given to adaptation and implementation of comprehensive programs on water management and irrigation, desertification control, development of alternative sources of energy and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices by farmers.

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Opportunities and constraints for farmers of west Africa to use seasonal precipitation forecasts with Burkina Faso as a case study

Cited by 317 publications

References 17 publications

Smallholders’ Tree Planting Activity in the Ziro Province, Southern Burkina Faso: Impacts on Livelihood and Policy Implications

Smallholders’ Tree Planting Activity in the Ziro Province, Southern Burkina Faso: Impacts on Livelihood and Policy Implications

Documenting livelihood trajectories in the context of development interventions in northern Burkina Faso

Agriculture, livelihoods and climate change in the West African Sahel

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