From typology to criteria considered by farmers: what explains agroecological practice implementation in North-Sudanian Burkina Faso?

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Cropping systems in the North-Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso face significant challenges related to poor yields, declining soil fertility and harsh climatic conditions. Together these necessitate a shift toward more sustainable farming practices. Agroecology aims to enhance yields while minimizing environmental harm through the use of ecological functions and has been promoted by researchers and farmers’ organizations as a solution. However, its implementation remains limited. This study investigated the criteria farmers consider when implementing agroecological practices at the farm level and how these criteria and their implementation are influenced by farm characteristics. Data collection methods included the serious game TAKIT, together with baseline and complementary household surveys (108 farmers each). Farm diversity was analyzed using a statistical typology. The influence of farm types, farm structural variables and the village location on (1) whether or not agroecological practices were implemented and (2) the criteria considered by farmers was explored. Four distinct farm types were identified: low resource endowed farms relying on off-farm income, low resource endowed farms relying on livestock income, medium resource endowed farms relying on agricultural and livestock income, and high resource endowed farms with diverse sources of income. There were no significant differences in the implementation of agroecological practices across farm types. Crop rotations were the most frequently implemented practice (by 91% of the study farmers), while the 2-by-2 line intercropping of sorghum-cowpea was the least implemented (9% of farmers). Implementation of zai pits varied significantly between villages, with farmers in Nagreonkoudogo more likely to use them than those in Tanvousse, due to differing soil characteristics. Farmers considered several criteria when deciding whether to implement agroecological practices, including the ability to improve yield and preserve soil. Constraints to their implementation included a lack of knowledge and their high labor requirements. These criteria did not differ across farm types, likely because they stem from shared environmental constraints or conditions. The study highlights the complexity of agroecological transitions in sub-Saharan Africa, and illustrates the need to adequately consider contextual conditions. The co-design of new practices, and the redesign of existing ones, should align with criteria considered by farmers.