Periodic Reporting for period 3 - SustainSAHEL (SYNERGISTIC USE AND PROTECTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR RURAL LIVELIHOODS THROUGH SYSTEMATIC INTEGRATION OF CROPS, SHRUBS AND LIVESTOCK IN THE SAHEL)
Reporting period: 2023-09-01 to 2024-08-31
The overall objective of SustainSAHEL is to enhance the resilience and intensification potential of smallholder agricultural farming systems to climate change through scalable innovations on crop-shrub-livestock (CSL) integration. It aims to develop CSL systems through innovation platforms (IPs) in order to improve productivity and farmers’ income. Adoption and scaling potential of improved CSL integration is assessed, while simultaneously optimizing proven technologies, tackling socioeconomic constraints for adoption and contributing to local economic revival. Our approach is embedded within the production systems of agro-ecology and organic agriculture, while comprising elements of conservation agriculture. Investigations on CSL, as well as soil quality and hydrology will be conducted through on-station and on-farm experiments and demonstration plots. Drought resistant shrub teams that are in synchrony with livestock requirements, and reduced tillage options that enhances the soil water capture and holding capacity will be identified. At the regional level, landscape modelling scenarios will analyse the promoted systems’ resilience to climate change in West Africa. Needs of youth, women will be identified and effective scaling of successfully tested innovations beyond the targeted regions will be assured. Systems approaches are a core concept and reflect the linkage of biophysical, socio-economic, cultural and political realities. The project examines long-term economic support to local communities and improvement of agricultural practices through close cooperation with farmer organizations.
A survey on the socio-economic profile of the relay producers of the project sites was carried out, enabling to assess the impact of the project on the different sites. Co-host with WP8, WP2 further co-led the sharing forum between the project actors, stakeholders and IPs, providing an unique platform to share and find concerted solutions to the challenges encountered by producers in the integration of crop, tree and livestock systems. A comprehensive baseline data has been collected through farm household questionnaires (Niakhar and Koulikoro), using power calculations to obtain representative samples of farm households. The investigation of reasons for the adoption of existing agroforestry practices is ongoing and selection of villages for the interventions has been finalized.
A variety of on-station and on-farm trials were set up to study the impact of tree and shrub species on soil properties, crop yields, among other impacts on a more systemic approach where field and landscape levels are considered. Clusters of farmer demonstration activities intended for enabling wider adoption are set up at each location. In-field assessments of water dynamics-related parameters were continued, including impacts of trees on soil water infiltration and repartition, soil water contents and retention parameters and plant water status. Samples were taken to assess faunal and microbial diversity in some trials were taken and a set of Biofunctools indicators was tested in several locations and confirmed appraisable effects of shrub/tree vicinity on soil biological functions. Survey conducted to contribute to participatory soil indicators design was implemented to assess systems performance and sustainability in terms of yields versus other soil-related services.
Palatability and digestibility of the most relevant species of shrub foliage were tested on the research stations. Decomposition and nutrient release patterns of leaves from tree and shrub species, as well as foliage-derived animal manure in litterbag experiments is finalized. Parametrization of the LIVSIM model for feeding shrubs and trees to cattle as well as to sheep and goats is ongoing. Dissemination of promising foliage feeding strategies through the development of specific communication and application tools continued.
Field data sets (land use land cover and woody species) for sites in Senegal, and Land cover and land use maps for Niakhar, Ouarkhokh and Koussanar (Senegal), Saria and Yilou (Burkina Faso) used for landscape characterization and model input were carried out. Data used for parameterizing LUCIA ranged from spatial maps (e.g. land use/ cover, soil, DEM, LDD), plant and soil parameters, weather, management data continued to be carried out for data modelling. Improvement of the Niakhar land-use database and revised model scenario outputs regarding long-term (twenty years) impact of organic/inorganic resource use, CSL systems and current and future climate on productivity, resilience, productivity and soil fertility impact were used to update. These outputs serve as inputs and discussion basis for innovation platform (IP) interactions: model scenarios were presented at innovative platform meetings in Mali and Burkina Faso, where various stakeholder groups discuss, make their inputs and recommendations regarding the plausibility and implications of implementing such scenarios.
Two new project videos produced by Access Agriculture and available online with three more in script-writing phase. Structuring of a chapter for the African Organic Agriculture Training Manual continues. Special IP meeting report on farmers' needs and preferences regarding learning videos on agroforestry practices were conducted. We completed the evaluation of the audio training for farmers (pilot test in Sikasso, Mali).
A variety of on-station and on-farm trials were set up to study the impact of tree and shrub species on soil properties, crop yields, among other impacts on a more systemic approach where field and landscape levels are considered. Clusters of farmer demonstration activities intended for enabling wider adoption are set up at each location. In-field assessments of water dynamics-related parameters were continued, including impacts of trees on soil water infiltration and repartition, soil water contents and retention parameters and plant water status. Samples were taken to assess faunal and microbial diversity in some trials were taken and a set of Biofunctools indicators was tested in several locations and confirmed appraisable effects of shrub/tree vicinity on soil biological functions. Survey conducted to contribute to participatory soil indicators design was implemented to assess systems performance and sustainability in terms of yields versus other soil-related services.
Palatability and digestibility of the most relevant species of shrub foliage were tested on the research stations. Decomposition and nutrient release patterns of leaves from tree and shrub species, as well as foliage-derived animal manure in litterbag experiments is finalized. Parametrization of the LIVSIM model for feeding shrubs and trees to cattle as well as to sheep and goats is ongoing. Dissemination of promising foliage feeding strategies through the development of specific communication and application tools continued.
Field data sets (land use land cover and woody species) for sites in Senegal, and Land cover and land use maps for Niakhar, Ouarkhokh and Koussanar (Senegal), Saria and Yilou (Burkina Faso) used for landscape characterization and model input were carried out. Data used for parameterizing LUCIA ranged from spatial maps (e.g. land use/ cover, soil, DEM, LDD), plant and soil parameters, weather, management data continued to be carried out for data modelling. Improvement of the Niakhar land-use database and revised model scenario outputs regarding long-term (twenty years) impact of organic/inorganic resource use, CSL systems and current and future climate on productivity, resilience, productivity and soil fertility impact were used to update. These outputs serve as inputs and discussion basis for innovation platform (IP) interactions: model scenarios were presented at innovative platform meetings in Mali and Burkina Faso, where various stakeholder groups discuss, make their inputs and recommendations regarding the plausibility and implications of implementing such scenarios.
Two new project videos produced by Access Agriculture and available online with three more in script-writing phase. Structuring of a chapter for the African Organic Agriculture Training Manual continues. Special IP meeting report on farmers' needs and preferences regarding learning videos on agroforestry practices were conducted. We completed the evaluation of the audio training for farmers (pilot test in Sikasso, Mali).
The project is generating systematic evidence through replicated scientific on-station and on-farm experiments, rigorous impact evaluations. Demonstration and capacity development interventions strengthening capacities of farmers and national institutions. Randomised controlled trials concentrated on farmers’ fields and co-designed together with farmers and local stakeholders will determine if promoted practices increase farm incomes and overall farm sustainability.
Innovations tested/promoted by SustainSahel are already showing promising results and will help farmers to reduce the reliance on expensive external inputs such as fertilizers, hence increase farm income. CSL integrated systems are designed to improve soil condition for water retention, increase in nutrient and organic matter. Systematic evidence on the impact of SustainSAHEL practices on soil properties will result in recommendations for soil fertility management in the area.
The project is identifying optimal feeding and manuring strategies that require low levels of external inputs; it aims at suggesting shrub-based soil fertility management and livestock feeding adjustment strategies that are straightforward to apply by farmers and herders. Through integration of shrub foliage into livestock feeding and health care, costs for commercial livestock feed and veterinary drugs are reduced. Balanced feed rations improve the digestibility of nutrients which translate into better animal performances and health, body condition and milk yield (of cows), as well as farm gross profit. Current landscape characteristics such as land use and soil type provide models to understand the future evolution of these CSL systems under the influence of several factors and to assess their sustainability. Such information is essential for decision makers to improve the management of these areas and through model scenario outcomes, ensuring implementation of alternative management options.
Innovations tested/promoted by SustainSahel are already showing promising results and will help farmers to reduce the reliance on expensive external inputs such as fertilizers, hence increase farm income. CSL integrated systems are designed to improve soil condition for water retention, increase in nutrient and organic matter. Systematic evidence on the impact of SustainSAHEL practices on soil properties will result in recommendations for soil fertility management in the area.
The project is identifying optimal feeding and manuring strategies that require low levels of external inputs; it aims at suggesting shrub-based soil fertility management and livestock feeding adjustment strategies that are straightforward to apply by farmers and herders. Through integration of shrub foliage into livestock feeding and health care, costs for commercial livestock feed and veterinary drugs are reduced. Balanced feed rations improve the digestibility of nutrients which translate into better animal performances and health, body condition and milk yield (of cows), as well as farm gross profit. Current landscape characteristics such as land use and soil type provide models to understand the future evolution of these CSL systems under the influence of several factors and to assess their sustainability. Such information is essential for decision makers to improve the management of these areas and through model scenario outcomes, ensuring implementation of alternative management options.