SYSTEMIC ANALYSIS OF CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN MAIZE PRODUCTION IN CHAD: IMPLICATIONS FOR FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Ache Billah KELEI ABDALLAH, Abdoulaye DIENG, Yassine DOUDOUA and Koye DJONDANG
Ache Billah KELEI ABDALLAH: Ecole Doctorale Développement Durable et Société (ED2DS), Université Iba Der Thiam de Thiès- BP: 967 Thiès, Senegal & Institut Tchadien de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (ITRAD), BP: 5400 N’Djaména, Tchad.
Abdoulaye DIENG: Ecole Doctorale Développement Durable et Société (ED2DS), Université Iba Der Thiam de Thiès- BP: 967 Thiès, Senegal
Yassine DOUDOUA: Institut Tchadien de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (ITRAD), BP: 5400 N’Djaména, Tchad.
Koye DJONDANG: Institut Tchadien de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (ITRAD), BP: 5400 N’Djaména, Tchad.
ABSTRACT
Maize production in Chad faces multidimensional challenges that significantly impact national food security and rural development. This study aims to systematically analyze the major constraints and perspectives of maize production in Chad, focusing on technical, socio-economic, and environmental aspects. A systematic literature review was conducted based on 85 scientific and technical documents published between 2015 and 2023, complemented by the analysis of institutional reports and secondary data. The analysis reveals the main constraints as follows: (1) limited access to irrigation (affecting 95% of farmers), (2) increasing climatic vulnerability, (3) land and water usage conflicts, and (4) restricted access to agricultural credit. Identified opportunities include the potential adoption of innovative irrigation technologies, the development of tailored credit systems, and the reinforcement of collective resource management mechanisms. This study suggests the necessity of an integrated approach combining technical innovations, institutional reforms, and adapted agricultural policies to sustainably improve maize production in Chad.
Keywords: Maize, Chad, Agricultural irrigation, Food security, Sustainable development, Production constraints, Climate resilience