Abstract:
This study examines farmers' perceptions of iron crust dynamics influenced by agricultural
pressure in two communities in the sahelian zone of Burkina Faso. The study combined spatial
analysis of the land cover/land use data and of iron crust/gravel zones extension data and
individual interviews data, to explore farmers' views on iron crust dynamics influenced by
agricultural pressure. The results revealed rapid changes of land cover/land use units and also of
gravel surfaces. The consequence of the iron crust dynamic is that crop lands are becoming more
and more gravelly. From only the spatial data analysis of this relationship, it is difficult to know
if the dismantling of iron crust is conducting gravel in crop land or if it is rather the farmers who
go toward these zones. However, according to individual interviews, 80% of the farmers are
arguing using those gravelly zones for cropping linked to agro-demographic pressure. The study
finds that the environmental and socio-economic impacts of agricultural pressure are the driver
of his connection with iron crust dynamics. Then, decision makers must focus their acts to
reinforce smallholders' organization and their capacity building on protecting natural resources.
However, each act from decision-makers, politic or research, must consider greatly the
indigenous knowledge of the community. |
