Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SustainSAHEL (SYNERGISTIC USE AND PROTECTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR RURAL LIVELIHOODS THROUGH SYSTEMATIC INTEGRATION OF CROPS, SHRUBS AND LIVESTOCK IN THE SAHEL)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2020-09-01 do 2022-02-28
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, improving herder-farmer cooperation, 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. We will identify drought resistant shrub teams that are in synchrony with livestock requirements, and reduced tillage options that enhances the soil water capture and holding capacity. At the regional level, landscape modelling scenarios will analyze the promoted systems’ resilience to climate change in West Africa. Dissemination activities will respond to the identified needs of youth, women and shall assure effective scaling of successfully tested innovations beyond the targeted regions. 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.
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, improving herder-farmer cooperation, 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. We will identify drought resistant shrub teams that are in synchrony with livestock requirements, and reduced tillage options that enhances the soil water capture and holding capacity. At the regional level, landscape modelling scenarios will analyze the promoted systems’ resilience to climate change in West Africa. Dissemination activities will respond to the identified needs of youth, women and shall assure effective scaling of successfully tested innovations beyond the targeted regions. 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.
Existing CSL integrated systems were identified and value chains in the study sites data collection tools were developed using PRA (participatory rural appraisal) approach allowing an overview of the main features and identify the most relevant actors to the key value chains per area. The development of a comprehensive and multiscale approach for the identification and analysis of constraints to adoption of CSLP, and literature review and initial interviews with stakeholders was conducted. A comprehensive baseline data have been collected through farm household questionnaires (Niakhar and Koulikoro), using power calculations to obtain representative samples of farm households. The study of the drivers of adoption of existing agroforestry practices is in ongoing and selection of villages for the interventions based on randomization, has been finalized.
We increased the number of sites and locations from 7 to 10 to cover as many relevant systems as possible. A variety of on-station and on-farm trials was 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. Experiments and farmer activities for 2022 are designed based on the in-depth understanding of stakeholders’ needs, opinions and knowledge as revealed in WP2-3 surveys/workshops.
Soil samples that will serve for baseline data were collected in all project sites. In selected locations, Biofunctool indicators were tested in the context of project sites, protocols for water regime parameters assessments and soil samples and preliminary assessments of bacterial and fungal communities started.
Shrub foliage types that are most suitable as animal feed complement to increase animal performance and health were identified through a bibliographic study. Ethnobotanical surveys about regionally important shrub foliage was conducted to identify species of shrub foliage most preferred by livestock keepers, and learn about livestock keepers’ foliage feeding strategies. 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 is continuously assessed in litterbag experiments. A pilot tool (Microsoft Excel®) was developed to calculate balanced feed rations for sheep, goats and cattle that contain valuable shrub foliage.
Landscape characterization and a tentative mapping of CSL systems were carried out at large scale (i.e. country) and across the seven project sites. A large geospatial database of biophysical variables was compiled to analyze the variation of landscape characteristics. Part of this dataset was used for the modelling. Preliminary runs of LUCIA were done for Niakhar site. The parameterization (Plant data and weather data), calibration (soil samples) and validation of LUCIA standalone are ongoing. Based on MARP reports from WP2, model scenarios were developed to feed the IP meetings.
A Plan for Communication and Dissemination was developed. A short project introductory video with French and English text has been created, SustainSAHEL Website showcasing the ongoing updates and outputs of the project, newsletters and social media accounts were established. Local Dissemination Strategy was developed to drive better local impact.
We increased the number of sites and locations from 7 to 10 to cover as many relevant systems as possible. A variety of on-station and on-farm trials was 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. Experiments and farmer activities for 2022 are designed based on the in-depth understanding of stakeholders’ needs, opinions and knowledge as revealed in WP2-3 surveys/workshops.
Soil samples that will serve for baseline data were collected in all project sites. In selected locations, Biofunctool indicators were tested in the context of project sites, protocols for water regime parameters assessments and soil samples and preliminary assessments of bacterial and fungal communities started.
Shrub foliage types that are most suitable as animal feed complement to increase animal performance and health were identified through a bibliographic study. Ethnobotanical surveys about regionally important shrub foliage was conducted to identify species of shrub foliage most preferred by livestock keepers, and learn about livestock keepers’ foliage feeding strategies. 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 is continuously assessed in litterbag experiments. A pilot tool (Microsoft Excel®) was developed to calculate balanced feed rations for sheep, goats and cattle that contain valuable shrub foliage.
Landscape characterization and a tentative mapping of CSL systems were carried out at large scale (i.e. country) and across the seven project sites. A large geospatial database of biophysical variables was compiled to analyze the variation of landscape characteristics. Part of this dataset was used for the modelling. Preliminary runs of LUCIA were done for Niakhar site. The parameterization (Plant data and weather data), calibration (soil samples) and validation of LUCIA standalone are ongoing. Based on MARP reports from WP2, model scenarios were developed to feed the IP meetings.
A Plan for Communication and Dissemination was developed. A short project introductory video with French and English text has been created, SustainSAHEL Website showcasing the ongoing updates and outputs of the project, newsletters and social media accounts were established. Local Dissemination Strategy was developed to drive better local impact.
The project will generate systematic evidence on the impact SustainSAHEL demonstration and capacity development interventions through rigorous impact evaluations, strengthening capacities of national institutions through Africa-EU collaborative field research design and analysis. 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. Treatments and results are transferable and at a relevant scale.
Soil quality improvement is a long-term goal with huge implications of greater soil fertility and crop productivity, hence farmer income. Innovations tested/promoted will reduce the reliance on external inputs, thus contributing positively to farm income. CSL integrated systems are designed that improve soil condition for water retention, increase in nutrient and organic matter. These trials contain elements where the shrub or tree contribution to soils are investigated under various management techniques. 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.
Soil quality improvement is a long-term goal with huge implications of greater soil fertility and crop productivity, hence farmer income. Innovations tested/promoted will reduce the reliance on external inputs, thus contributing positively to farm income. CSL integrated systems are designed that improve soil condition for water retention, increase in nutrient and organic matter. These trials contain elements where the shrub or tree contribution to soils are investigated under various management techniques. 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.