The Cropping System and the Farming Diversity of the Spinach Grown in Burkina Faso

Aim: This study was initiated to gain insight into the diversity and management of spinach on farms in Burkina Faso. Place and Duration of Study: The study took place in the production garden sites in the different communes (in Kossodo, Manga, Loumbila, Tanghin and Saaba). It took place during the dry (October-January) and wet seasons (May/August). Methodology: A semi-structured interview guide was used for the respondents A survey carried out on the production sites in Kossodo, Manga, Loumbila, Tanghin and Saaba enabled to show that spinach plays an important role both in terms of food supply and economic benefits. Results: Cultivation practices are not very diversified, depending on the farmer's endogenous knowledge and financial resources. Spinach is mainly grown on beds in rotation with other crops such as Corcorus sp and Cleome sp. Organic fertilizer is the main substance of soil fertilization. Conclusion: There are three morphotypes of spinach: green, red and what is commonly known as Bobo spinach. The majority of producers are women (98%). Red spinach and Bobo spinach are produced on 16% of the sites surveyed.