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Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Reforestation in Burkina Faso 

RegionAfrica
FocusCapacity building, Diversification, Restoration of degraded landscapes
Main cropMango, Cashew
Duration2020 -2024
ByECOTOP Suisse
Tags

Boosting Farmer Productivity and Restoring Degraded Land Through Fairtrade and Organic Practices

A collaboration with Gebana to enhance mango and cashew farming, combat soil erosion, and promote sustainable fruit and nut exports.

The project aims to establish sustainable and regenerative production systems for mango and cashew in Burkina Faso by integrating Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF) principles. The focus is on soil restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and increased farmer productivity while ensuring long-term economic and ecological benefits.

  • Cashew monoculture plantation in Burkina Faso with evenly spaced trees and dry soil, highlighting challenges of soil degradation and biodiversity loss
    A cashew monoculture plantation in Burkina Faso, showing the effects of single-crop farming on soil health and agroecosystem diversity
  • Cashew monoculture plantation in Burkina Faso with evenly spaced trees and dry soil, highlighting challenges of soil degradation and biodiversity loss
    Cashew monoculture in Burkina Faso, illustrating the impact of intensive farming on soil conditions and biodiversity.

Scaling DAF for Sustainable Cashew & Mango Production

The project consists of multiple components covering DAF demonstration plots, training and knowledge, and monitoring and evaluation:

  • Establishing and Managing Agroforestry Plots

    • Creation of DAF demonstration plots for sustainable mango and cashew production.
    • Pruning of cashew trees to improve productivity and tree health.
    • Selection of tree species that enhance biomass production and soil fertility.

  • Training and Knowledge Transfer

    • Capacity building for local technicians and lead farmers.
    • Training on pruning, mulching, and tree management techniques.
    • Management of natural regeneration to reduce replanting costs.

  • Monitoring and Evaluation

    • Survival rate assessment of planted trees.
    • Comparative yield analysis between pruned and unpruned cashew trees.
    • Soil monitoring, including mulching trials and pH assessments.

  • A pruned cashew tree in Burkina Faso, surrounded by a group of farmers attending an agroforestry training session on sustainable cashew management.
    Farmers in Burkina Faso learning about sustainable cashew pruning techniques to improve productivity and tree health.
  • A pruned cashew tree in Burkina Faso, surrounded by a group of farmers attending an agroforestry training session on sustainable cashew management.
    Farmers in Burkina Faso learning about sustainable cashew pruning techniques to improve productivity and tree health.
  • Tree Planting with Biomass Mulching in Burkina Faso
    Farmers planting trees and utilizing pruned biomass as natural mulch to improve soil health and moisture conservation.
  • A group of farmers and trainers gathered in Burkina Faso for an agroforestry training session, learning about sustainable land restoration and tree planting.
    Farmers and agroforestry trainers in Burkina Faso working together to implement sustainable farming techniques. The training focuses on land restoration, tree planting, and regenerative agriculture to improve soil fertility and climate resilience.

Increased cashews yields, enhanced soil fertility and greater farmer acceptance

The key achievements within the scope of the project were the following:

  • Farmers report improved cashew yields after implementing pruning techniques.
  • Enhanced soil fertility and moisture retention observed in well-managed DAF plots.
  • Greater farmer acceptance of agroforestry-based land management.

The activities align with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDFs): 

Project Partners

Gebana

Gebana Switzerland is a pioneer in fair trade and organic farming, dedicated to building sustainable food supply chains. Founded in 1998, Gebana connects smallholder farmers in developing countries with global...
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