Farmers’ Perceptions of Stone Bunds and Grass Strips in Enhancing Soil Fertility in Koundougou, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Some regions in general, and the Houet province in particular, like other regions of Burkina Faso, are subject to continuous degradation of arable land, negatively impacting agricultural production. To curb this phenomenon, farmers have implemented water and soil conservation techniques using stone lines and grass strips. To better understand the impact of these techniques on their fields, a study was conducted in rural areas in the Hauts-Bassins region, Houet province, specifically in the commune of Koundougou. The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of Conservation of water and soil and the protection and restoration of soils (CES/DRS) works to improving the quality of agricultural lands, particularly in terms of yields, and also to understand the producers' perception of these soil and water conservation measures. The study was conducted in Burkina Faso, over Koundougou over twelve months. Environment and Agricultural Research, Farako-Bâ station over twelve months. Surveys in farming communities were conducted on 30 farms aiming to view the nature of sustainable soil fertility management. The results revealed that stone cordons and grass strips individually improve soil fertility and agricultural yield. In addition, the combined use of these two techniques has an enhanced effect on agricultural parameters. The improvement of these parameters has positively impacted the soils. Beyond these measurable parameters, the study found that more than 90% of producers are able to actually perceive the positive and significant impact of these structures in their fields and are convinced of the usefulness of these practices.