A greener Burkina: sustainable farming techniques, land reclamation and improved livelihoods
This report (PDF) from The Overseas Development Institute (ODI), describes a case study where degraded land in Burkina Faso was brought into productive use through the application of improved traditional farming techniques. Three main factors have contributed to achieving this progress: 1. farmers had valuable local knowledge of suitable and efficient traditional farming methods; 2. information about the improved sustainable techniques was effectively diffused through existing community networks, facilitated by civil society organisations (CSOs), international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government extension agents; and 3. the adoption of these improved techniques was encouraged by the provision of financial support for the initial labour and start-up costs. Important lessons can be drawn from the case of Burkina Faso regarding the diffusion and adoption of appropriate agricultural technologies, effective social organisation and the role of finance in supporting and promoting progress in sustainable agriculture.