Les systèmes agroforestiers du domaine soudanien du Togo : historique et facteurs explicatifs de la dynamique évolutive

The aim of this study is to analyse the evolutionary trajectories of these agroforestry systems in order to identify the main drivers of change that influence their resilient and sustainable management in the Sudanian zone of Togo. Specifically, the aim is to: analyse the main changes that have occurred since 1960; characterise the evolutionary trajectories; and determine the drivers of change that could help to understand the evolution of these systems. The data were collected using a retrospective and prospective diagnostic survey of a sample of farmers, including resource persons, following the Historical-Sociological Investigation Method by means of semi-structured interviews. A Principal Component Analysis coupled with an Ascending Hierarchical Classification was used to study the main stages in the development of these systems. Despite having adopted various measures to promote their adaptability, profound changes have marked the evolution of these systems, testing their limits in the face of these challenges. In this context of adaptability, the results reveal two major transition models: a ‘model of transition from indigenous agricultural systems to extensive and sustainable systems’, dominant in ecological zone I with 47.44% of the systems surveyed, and an ‘agro-ecological transition model towards sustainable, innovative and resilient systems’, dominant in ecological zone II with 52.56% of the said systems. In this duality of agroforestry system management models, it is essential to analyse the evolutionary trajectories and drivers of change in order to draw up appropriate agricultural and environmental policies, with a view to the possible transplantation of these trajectories for sustainable and resilient agriculture both within and between ecological zones.