Role of Communication in the Process of a Good Cultivation Technique Around Open-Air Works in Burkina Faso: Case of the Mogtedo-Zam Dam in the Ganzourgou Province in the Central Plateau Region

Abstract

In the municipality of Mogtedo and Zam, climatic conditions are unfavorable and influence the availability of water resources. Thus, water resources are becoming increasingly valuable for human activities, particularly market gardening and pastoral production. Indeed, the dam located in the village of Talembika in the municipality of Zam and the agricultural plain in Mogtedo are threatened by advanced siltation of the watercourse. This has an impact on the standard of living of the local populations. Can the cause of the silting be linked to a lack of communication on the management of water reservoirs? The main objective is to analyze the perceptions of the users of the dam on silting and the contribution of communication in the process of a good farming technique around the water reservoir of Mogtedo-Zam in the province of Ganzourgou in the Central Plateau region. To do this, quantitative and qualitative methods were used for the collection, processing and analysis of data using appropriate tools. The results of the study reveal rapid siltation of the dam, which is confirmed by 86.96% of the respondents. This situation is due to soil erosion, the deposition of solid materials from the watershed, high pressure from users, and low rainfall. Thus, communication is an important factor in the fight against siltation. The technical services are the first communicators of the users of the dam. Users lack information and awareness on the management of the dam and good farming practices to avoid its rapid siltation.