Agroecology: at the crossroad for adaptation to climate impacts, desertification reduction and

biodiversity conservation

Methodology2

Legend

Zone 1: Arid

Zone 2: Sub-arid

Zone 3: Sub humid

Zone 4: Humid tropical

Areas not considered

in the study

Delimitation of the 4 zones of study (adapted from: Peel et al. 2007)

Oasis(CARI 2006)

Agropastoral(CARI 2007)

Mixed crop-livestock(AVSF 2013)

Agroforestry(AVSF 2014)

Methodology

3

Tool Result Focus

Literature review Identification of major challenges for peasants The 4 zones

Semi-structured interviews with French

NGOs (16)

Identification of peasants’ agroecological practices

The 4 zonesFocus on the referent

farming systems

More directive interviews with specialized NGOs (6)

Identification of innovative combinations of

agroecological practicesThe referent farming

systems

Data analysis

Evaluation of relevance of agroecological practices to

face climate change effects

The 4 zones

Impacts of climate in arid and sub aride areas of Africa

Lower volume

of available water

Higher uncertainty about water

availability in time and space

Loss of organic matter

Salinisation

Increased

evapotranspiration

Enhanced sensitivity of crops linked to

droughts and floodsDestruction of crops by

floods and heat waves

Reduction of

cultivated surfaces

animal

Reduc

tion o

f dive

rsity

and

produ

ctivit

y

of pa

stures

Reduction of land carrying

capacity

Parasites and diseases spreading

Mortality of animals linked to droughtswater

soil

plant

landscape

Expansion of desert

areas

Why agroecology could be a solution for farmers, regarding land

degradation, biodiversity and adaptation?

Basic principles of agroecology (Altieri 2002):• enhancing biomass renewal and optimizing nutrient availability and

balance of nutrient flows;• ensuring favorable soil conditions for plant growth (organic matter

management, soil cover, improvement of biological activity in the soil);• minimizing losses in solar energy, air and water;• promoting genetic diversification of species in time and space;• adding value to favorable biological interactions.

Agroecology also includes social and economic principles:• social organization and local knowledge transmission• guarantee of decent revenue for farmers and their families

Practicies implemented by smallholder farmers in oasis systems

Legend

Practicies implemented by smallholder farmers in oasis systems

Practicies implemented by smallholder farmers in agropastoral

systems

Innovation in combination of practices in Burkina Faso

Alternance off season vegetable production (thanks to water reservoirs) / cereals in wet season.

Mecanization of holes digging and

fertilization with compost

instead of household waste.

Collection of rain water (roofs, catchment areas), run-off water (reservoirs, mini-dams) and groundwater (wells).

Seed scoating (clay soil, compost, cereal bran) before sowing in zaï holes to maintain humidity and avoid consumption by animals.

Enrichment of compost: with trichoderma acting as fungicide or with natural phosphate.

Biogas fabrication from animal excrements and use of effluents for fertilization.

Maintenance of organic matter and humidity in plots

thanks to stone bunds, contour bunding...

Mecanized zaï holes and improved compost

Devices to collect and store water

Bio digester

Seeds coating and dry sowing

Enriched compost

Rotation cereals-legumes

Anti-erosion devices

Agroforestry

Plantation of cereals in Acacia agroforestry parks (fertilizer tree specie)

Relevance of agroecology in all the conventions and SDGs

• A better synergy between conventions is needed to tackle environmental issues, development, food security and poverty reduction.

• Land is the fundamental link between all these issues, and agroecology with its diversity of practices adapted to each area is the best solution to promote.

• SGD 2 « End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture »SDG 15 « Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt an d reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss »

UNFCCC UNCCD

AGROECOLOGY

Thank you for your attention !

10

CARI 2007