Agroecology: at the crossroad for adaptation to climate impacts, desertification reduction and biodiversity conservation

Methodology 2 Legend Zone 1: Arid Zone 2: Sub-arid Zone 3: Sub humid Zone 4: Humid tropical Areas not considered in the study Delimitation of the 4 zones of study (adapted from: Peel et al. 2007) Oasis (CARI 2006) Agropastoral (CARI 2007) Mixed crop-livestock (AVSF 2013) Agroforestry (AVSF 2014)

Methodology 3 ToolResultFocus Literature review Identification of major challenges for peasants The 4 zones Semi-structured interviews with French NGOs (16) Identification of peasants’ agroecological practices The 4 zones Focus on the referent farming systems More directive interviews with specialized NGOs (6) Identification of innovative combinations of agroecological practices The referent farming systems Data analysis Evaluation of relevance of agroecological practices to face climate change effects The 4 zones

Impacts of climate in arid and sub aride areas of Africa Lower volume of available water Higher uncertainty about water availability in time and space Loss of organic matter Salinisation Increased evapotranspiration Enhanced sensitivity of crops linked to droughts and floods Destruction of crops by floods and heat waves Reduction of cultivated surfaces animal Reduction of diversity and productivity of pastures Reduction of land carrying capacity Parasites and diseases spreading Mortality of animals linked to droughts water soil plant landscape Expansion of desert areas

Why agroecology could be a solution for farmers, regarding land degradation, biodiversity and adaptation? Basic principles of agroecology (Altieri 2002): enhancing biomass renewal and optimizing nutrient availability and balance of nutrient flows; ensuring favorable soil conditions for plant growth (organic matter management, soil cover, improvement of biological activity in the soil); minimizing losses in solar energy, air and water; promoting genetic diversification of species in time and space; adding value to favorable biological interactions. Agroecology also includes social and economic principles: social organization and local knowledge transmission guarantee of decent revenue for farmers and their families

Practicies implemented by smallholder farmers in oasis systems Legend

Practicies implemented by smallholder farmers in oasis systems Practicies implemented by smallholder farmers in agropastoral systems

Innovation in combination of practices in Burkina Faso Alternance off season vegetable production (thanks to water reservoirs) / cereals in wet season. Mecanization of holes digging and fertilization with compost instead of household waste. Collection of rain water (roofs, catchment areas), run-off water (reservoirs, mini-dams) and groundwater (wells). Seed scoating (clay soil, compost, cereal bran) before sowing in zaï holes to maintain humidity and avoid consumption by animals. Enrichment of compost: with trichoderma acting as fungicide or with natural phosphate. Biogas fabrication from animal excrements and use of effluents for fertilization. Maintenance of organic matter and humidity in plots thanks to stone bunds, contour bunding... Mecanized zaï holes and improved compost Devices to collect and store water Bio digester Seeds coating and dry sowing Enriched compost Rotation cereals-legumes Anti-erosion devices Agroforestry Plantation of cereals in Acacia agroforestry parks (fertilizer tree specie)

Relevance of agroecology in all the conventions and SDGs A better synergy between conventions is needed to tackle environmental issues, development, food security and poverty reduction. Land is the fundamental link between all these issues, and agroecology with its diversity of practices adapted to each area is the best solution to promote. SGD 2 « End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture » SDG 15 « Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt an d reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss » UNFCCC UNCCD AGROECOLOGY

Thank you for your attention ! 10 CARI 2007