Scaling Co-created Pathways, Varieties and Crop Management Options in Sahelian Terroirs
Lead Organization:
Universite Dan Dicko Dankoulodo de Maradi
Partner Organizations:
UDDM, Imaan Research, Mooriben, FUMA Gaskiya, INRAN
Community of Practice:
Countries:
Niger
Duration:
5/2025—5/2028
Overview:
In Niger, cowpea crop is cultivated mainly in association with pearl millet and sorghum on about 84% to 96.6% of farms (Baoua et al. 2021; Hamidou et al. 2023). Recent experimental studies have highlighted the importance of taking into account the local cropping system in the participatory selection process of new cowpea varieties (Omoigui et al. 2023; Ongom et al. 2023; Tchoffo et al. 2024). In the multi-species association system, plant-plant interaction becomes a key component of GxE interactions (Enjalbert et al. 2019; Nelson et al. 2021). The choice of varieties of species to combine can help to optimize crop performance by identifying the most effective combinations. The choice of varieties to be introduced into an association is a lever that has rarely been studied in breeding programs (Corre-Hellou et al. 2013; Julier et al. 2014).
Seed maintenance and management are essential for producing quality seeds, which in turn contribute significantly to a variety’s yield. To do so, the first step is to obtain the strains of seed from which to produce the other seed grades according to the standards required for isolation, off-types, diseased plants, harvesting, drying and storage. It includes the establishment of seeds traceability and dissemination system, and a seed system that takes into account the specificity of varieties.
The productivity of agricultural land can be improved by increasing soil fertility. Unfortunately, the agricultural practices implemented by increasingly poor producers do not promote the maintenance of the fertility of Sahelian soils. Producers have empirical indicators to assess the level of soil fertility in their cropping systems (Jangorzo et al. 2024). In addition, this level of fertility can have an influence on the spread of crop pests such as cowpea striga (Sadda et al. 2021).
Climate change scenarios in the Sahel predict an increase in rainfall, which can have consequences on the dynamics of soil nutrients but also on the ecological niche of many pests. The definition of health indicators specific to Sahelian soils, the determination of the factors that influence the dynamics of soil fertilization as well as its long-term monitoring will help in the design of a more sustainable production system.
CRFS projects (formerly CCRP) have been developing AE options adapted to local contexts. These options often respond to the need of the smallholder farmers. However, there is a lack of strategies for scaling these co-created AE options regardless of the steady progress of the implementation of the FRN principles by the projects.
Grant Aims:
The aim of the project is to scale co-created pathways, varieties and crop management options in Sahelian terroirs to support agroecological transition.
Outputs and Outcomes:
Output 1.1 : New participatory breeding methods adapted to multi-species associated cropping systems have been developed (OS1&OS4);
Output 1.2 : Millet, sorghum and cowpea varieties adapted to association systems are selected (OS1);
Output 1.3 : The best cereal-legume varietal association combinations have been identified (OS1).
Outcome 1.1 : The productivity of cropping systems is improved through the use of optimal cereal and cowpea-based combinations (OS1);
Output 2.1 : A system for the maintenance and conservation of several generations of seed (pre-basic, basic, certified) has been set up (OS4);
Output 2.2 : Cowpea varieties developed in CowpeaSquare are registered (OS4)
Output 2.2 : Les partenariats sont établis avec coopératives semencières cocréées et les entreprises semencières locales pour la production et la diffusion des semences ; – Partnerships are established with co-created seed cooperatives and local seed companies for seed production and distribution (OS1&OS4).
Outcome 2.1 : Varietal innovations are disseminated and made accessible to users by strengthening local seed systems (OS1&OS4);
Output 3.1 : The determinants of nutrient dynamics in Sahelian dry tropical soils are well known (OS2);
Output 3.2 : Soil health indicators for assessing the sustainability of farming systems are constructed (OS2);
Output 3.3 : A system for long-term monitoring of soil quality under agroecological practices has been set up (OS2);
Output 3.4 : The spread of millet, cowpea and sorghum pests as a function of soil fertility and climatic variability is modelled (OS1&OS2)
Outcome 3.1 : Land productivity is improved through the use of good soil fertility maintenance practices (OS2)
Outcome 3.2 : Knowledge of the interaction of ecological niches between plants and pests enables better prevention of infestations (OS2);
Output 4.1 : The relationship between soil type and the quality of agricultural products has been established (OS2);
Output 4.2 : A guide on the specific characteristics and food uses of new varieties of cowpea, millet and sorghum has been developed and is being used by stakeholders (OS3&OS4);
Output 4.3 : Processing methods adapted to local contexts are developed together with networks of women processors (OS3);
Outcome 4.1 : Local and development actors use varieties that are better adapted and of higher nutritional quality (OS3&OS4).
Output 5.1 : The factors determining the scaling-up of innovations to a larger number of cropping systems and a greater number of localities are established (scaling out) (OS4);
Output 5.2 : A methological framework to reinforce and assess synergy among projects and institutions is developed (scaling up) (OS4);
Outcome 5.1 : Producers are supported to choose and utilize options adapted to their specific contexts (OS4).