Farmers’ Perceptions of Land Degradation and Adaptation Strategies Adopted by Farmers in the Geographical Area of Bagaroua in Niger

Abstract

The study was conducted in the commune of Bagaroua, (Tahoua region). The Tahoua area has agro-climatic characteristics favorable to agricultural production. This area is now threatened by the rapid degradation of its natural resources due to climatic hazards and human activities. It is in this context that the present study proposes to analyze the perceptions of farmers on land degradation and the adaptation strategies of producers faced with the impact of this degradation. The data was collected by interview using a questionnaire submitted to 254 agricultural producers sampled using the formula n=t² *p*(1-p) /m². The results showed that agricultural producers clearly perceive the manifestations of soil degradation by the appearance of glacis with percentages by 66% of respondents; formation of “erosion” ravines (13.17%); presence of pebbles and sandy bulge (10.07%). Farmers perceive the impacts of this soil degradation through parameters such as the reduction in cultivable areas (12%); attacks by crop enemies (7%); increased food insecurity (32%); the influx of able-bodied young people to big cities (11%) inside and outside the country and delinquency (6%). This situation puts the population in a situation of extreme poverty (16%), indebtedness (8%) and conflicts between households (8%). Faced with this shock, producers adopt adaptation strategies, the most widespread of which are, among others, the use of water and soil conservation techniques, the use of organic and mineral manure, the use of improved varieties early.