Determinants of sesame cultivation practices in the East region of Burkina Faso

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop, especially in West Africa, contributing to household economies. The demand for sesame has increased remarkably; against low or declining yields. The objective of this study was to identify the major determinants of sesame cultivation in the main agro-climatic zones of the eastern Sudanian region of Burkina Faso, as a strategy for intensifying its production. A survey was carried out involving 300 sesame producers, in the eastern region of Burkina Faso; using a semi-structured. Sesame cultivation was mainly influenced by low level of knowledge of sesame production; lack of improved seed varieties among producers; inadequate soil fertility management and high costs of fertilisers and improved seeds. Factors such as gender, age, education level and land area allocated to sesame cultivation, hitherto believed to be important in sesame production, had no statistically measurable effects on crop cultivation. Allocation of mostly degraded lands to sesame production considerably affected its yield levels.