Fanta Kando | August 29, 2024
News Brief
In Sagala, Burkina Faso, Olivier Paré blends agriculture, livestock, and forestry on his 24.5-hectare farm, in an approach called agro-silvo-pastoralism, which has benefits for his overall production and local biodiversity. He has 11 hectares of forest, 1 hectare for cattle, and 10.5 hectares for crops like maize and sorghum. He harvests three tons of fodder per season and earns an annual revenue of 18 million FCFA ($30,000 US). His trees and soil benefit from animal manure, while his livestock enjoy fodder and the forest for food. Environmental expert Hamidou Sawadogo says that farmers can adopt this practice on small and large plots of land, with benefits in term of yield as well as to the environment.
Sagala, a rural commune located 20 km from the city of Dédougou in the Boucle du Mouhoun region of Burkina Faso, experiences significant seasonal changes that impact daily life and agriculture. One morning, under a light rain, Olivier Paré arrives at his farm. He manages a family estate of 24.5 hectares. Mr. Paré combines farming, livestock keeping, and forestry activities on his land. With his hands behind his back, he tours the property to observe the growth of the seedlings during this rainy season before visiting other areas of his estate. He says, “Given the current growth of the plants, I think we’ll have a good harvest.”
For 18 years, Olivier Paré has been practicing agro-silvopastoralism on his farm to optimize productivity, minimize inputs, and reduce the environmental impact of his activities. He has 11 hectares of forest, which contain about 1,900 shea trees and other useful plants. Mr. Paré raises cattle on one hectare, with 18 head of cattle. He also experiments on 1.5 hectares, using various agroecological practices to improve his agricultural yields. Finally, Mr. Paré practices farming on the remaining 10.5 hectares, where he grows fodder crops like sorghum, cowpea, and maize. He harvests three tons of fodder per season.
Mr. Paré explains that agriculture, livestock, and forestry interact and are interdependent. He says that by engaging in these three activities on his land, the soil and forest benefit from the manure produced by the livestock. The animals, in turn, benefit from the fodder and forest for food. He says, “I don’t regret adopting this practice.” The combination of crops, livestock, and trees allows for the benefits of each while creating a favorable microclimate and improving local biodiversity.
Hamidou Sawadogo is an environmental expert at the Institute of Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Development at Joseph KI-ZERBO University in Ouagadougou. He says that agro-silvopastoralism is beneficial for nature because it respects the connections between ecosystems and species. He explains that agroforestry can be practiced on both large and small areas of land by properly organizing different activities, allowing forest areas to be converted into mixed-use areas of forests, livestock, and crops. He says that this practice is not yet common in Burkina Faso, but he encourages farmers to adopt this practice, which ensures better long-term yields for communities while protecting their living environment. It is also effective in combating climate change.
Mr. Paré explains that agro-silvopastoralism is profitable. This practice allows him to have a sustainable source of income through crop diversification and the sale of products such as cereals, tubers, fodder, forest fruits like nuts, wood, meat, and dairy products. He estimates his annual revenue at 18 million FCFA ($30,000 US).
Mr. Paré’s agro-silvopastoral activities have helped improve the living conditions of his community. He explains that thanks to his activities, he employs three permanent workers to maintain his farm. During harvests, about 250 contract workers, mostly women, work and earn income for their families. Mr. Paré also contributes to agricultural and environmental research. Each year, his farm welcomes many students and associations who come to learn from his experience. He says, “This is my way of being useful to my community while making a living and protecting the environment.”
Photo: Mr. Paré, taken in Burkina Faso by Fanta Kando, 2024.