Since
1985 the University of Hohenheim in Germany with its Special Research Programme
308, has been involved in research on adapted farming systems in West Africa
where soil fertility is a major constraint for increasing agricultural production.
Steady population growth leads to an increasing pressure on the land, thereby
restricting the restoration of soil fertility during ever decreasing fallow
periods. Economic constraints limit farmers' access to fertiliser, thus enhancing
soil degradation and jeopardising food security. Finding innovative solutions
with participatory approaches, such as new cultivation techniques adapted to
the climatic and socio-economic environment, the use of crop residues and animal
manure, site-specific applications of animal fertilisers as alternatives to
long-term fallows, is the challenge farmers, researchers and projects are now
facing. This book contains papers presented at the Regional Workshop on 'Soil
fertility management in West Africa land use systems' held in Niamey, Niger
and organised jointly by the University of Hohenheim, ICRISAT Sahelian Centre
and INRAN on 4-8 March 1997, which allowed more than 250 participants to share
and exchange information on the topic.
Contents
Preface / Acknowledgements / Welcome address
Part 1. Technologies for improved soil fertility management
in West Africa (10 papers in English and 12 in French)
Part 2. Soil/water conservation and agroforestry (16
papers in English and 5 in French)
Part 3. Strengthening crop/livestock interaction (7
papers in English and 2 in French)
Part 4. Political and economic aspects of soil fertility
(5 papers in English and 1 in French)
Part 5. Enhancing farmers' participation in research and
development (7 papers in English and 5 in French)
Part 6. Short communications (7 papers in English
and 5 in French)
Part 7. Results from working group discussions and conclusions.
List of participants