Pratiques agroforestières et logiques paysannes dans les régions du Nord et de la Boucle du Mouhoun au Burkina Faso

Faced with accelerated degradation of its ecosystems since the 1970s, Burkina Faso is turning to agroforestry practices as a strategic response to climatic and socio-economic challenges. Historically anchored in farming practices in a variety of forms, these practices are now enjoying renewed interest, supported by development players. In the North and Boucle du Mouhoun regions, characterised by contrasting agro-ecological contexts, farmers are adopting these practices according to a variety of rationales, influenced by their socio-economic and environmental realities. However, local constraints, such as access to land and the availability of resources, combined with differing perceptions of these practices, raise questions about their appropriation and sustainability. This research analyses the farmers' rationale behind the dissemination and adoption of agroforestry practices. A qualitative approach, based on semi-structured interviews and field observations, was used to analyse the practices and views of various stakeholders. The results reveal different strategies in the various regions studied. In the northern region, which is characterised by severe aridity, farmers appreciate the contribution of agroforestry practices to improving their livelihoods. They also favour exotic species because of their high added value in the short and medium term. On the other hand, in the Boucle du Mouhoun region, where the soil is more fertile but subject to strong agricultural pressure, agroforestry practices are aimed more at restoring soil fertility to maintain long-term productivity and the availability of non-timber forest products for their exploitation. However, agroforestry practices are hampered by different forms of farmer rationality, which are hampering their widespread adoption in this region.