La Place et le rôle des communautés paysannes dans la recherche pour lutter contre le processus de désertification dans le Sahel

Abstract

AbstractThe marginalization of the role of rural communities in the Sahel in the many analyses of desertification and the implications of such analyses in terms of action strategies reflect a paradigmatic conflict affecting all of the social sciences. Today, one can discern a gradual shift from the dominant paradigm of social fact linked to a period of centralization of power to one of social definition corresponding instead to a period of decentralization and of democratic action. This new paradigm not only gives the rural communities and basic organizations a new visibility but also recognizes their decisive role in defining the problematics which will be the focus of this research and in choosing the most culturally relevant and efficient means of confronting the desertification issue. These profound changes render inevitable a redefinition of the role not only of state institutions but also of the researcher who as “deus ex machina” becomes an enlightened partner for the researchers/actors emerging fr...