Sustainability Prospects for the Smallholder Maize Farming Systems in Northern Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Aims: In Côte d'Ivoire, as in many other regions of sub-Saharan Africa, the sustainability of agricultural practices has become a crucial challenge to feed a growing human population. The study was aimed to contribute to better targeting of development efforts on sustainable intensification of maize cultivation, through the diagnostics of smallholder farming practices. Study Design: The study was designed as a cross-sectional survey, involving 80 individual farmers, who were selected in four locations (20 per location) according to their involvement in maize cultivation. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the largest maize production and consumption area in the northern region, between March and September 2022. Methodology: The investigation was focused on the social characteristics of farmers, agronomic characteristics of cultivation systems and on the production constraints. Results: The results showed that the maize growing farmers were natives (98.00%) and men (99,00%), without formal education (74.99%). Maize-based cultivations varied, with a prevalence of intercropping systems (53.16%). It is grown on a land area of 5 to over 11 hectares, with common uses of improved varieties, chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The production is impaired by poor use of agricultural inputs, poor resource endowments of farmers and fluctuating prices, resulting in low yield and profitability (132 to 768 Euro ha-1). Conclusion: Attempts to sustain productivity can be geared towards sound agronomic principles, including implementation of Integrated Pest and Disease Management, minimal tillage and soil mulching, application of manure (legume residues) and moderate fertilizer rates, combined with strengthening farmers’ knowledge and reliable marketing chains.