Determinants of the Integration of Local Knowledge and Organizational Innovations by Producers Facing Climate Change in the Koulsé Region, Burkina Faso

Background: Climate change threatens agro-pastoral livelihoods in Burkina Faso, while the roles of local environmental indicators and organizational initiatives in producer responses remain insufficiently documented in the Koulsé region. Aims: This study analysed producers’ resilience strategies in Burkina Faso in the face of climate change. Place and Duration of Study: The rural communes of Boussouma and Korsimoro in the Koulsé region, between November and December 2025. Methodology: The data were collected through a survey of 270 households. Descriptive analyses and Poisson and logit econometric models were applied. Results: The results show that the migratory pattern of the Tockus nasatus bird (15 %), the disappearance of the Myrmica sp. insect and the construction of termite mounds by Cubitermes sp. (15 %), wind patterns (13 %) and the maturation of certain trees (Pterocarpus lucens and Ficus sycomorus : 4 %) guide farmers’ decision-making regarding the practices to adopt in anticipation of the likely impacts of climate change. These practices include agro-sylvo-pastoral techniques (zaï: 88 %, stone bunds: 78 %, fattening: 37 %, agroforestry: 92 %) and organizational innovations, including Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA: 40%). The econometric analysis reveals that technical training (IRR = 1.232; p < .001), land tenure status (IRR = 1.489; p = .018) and cultivated area (IRR = 1.028; p = .003) are significantly and positively associated with the intensity of resilience practices. VSLA participation is predominantly female (OR = 0.183; p < .001) and is influenced by institutional support (OR > 4; p < .05). Conclusion: Greater recognition of local knowledge in agricultural policies and institutional support for rural women could support a more effective response to climate change.