Perception Et Stratégies D’adaptation Des Producteurs Face À La Salinisation Des Vallées Rizicoles De La Commune d’Enampore En Basse Casamance

La dégradation du sol est un phénomène complexe, dans lequel interviennent plusieurs facteurs qui contribuent à la perte de la fertilité. Parmi ces facteurs, la salinisation des terres rizicoles est devenue une préoccupation pour les producteurs de la commune d’Enampore. L’objectif de cette étude est de contribuer à une connaissance des problèmes environnementaux induite par la salinité. Plus spécifiquement, il s’agit d’identifier les différentes stratégies d’adaptation des producteurs. La méthodologie utilisée s’appuie sur l’exploitation d’un questionnaire adressé à 237 ménages sur un total de 579 ménages répartis dans 5 villages. Les résultats ont montré les effets complexes de l’empreinte climatique à Enampore. Les principaux facteurs évoqués par les riziculteurs sont la baisse de la pluviométrie (46,6%) et l’avancée de la langue salée (47,2%). D’ailleurs, la présence du sel affecte directement les rizières (96,7%). Par ailleurs, la présence de chenille et d’insectes (49,8%) et l’acidification (41,4%) représentent aussi un problème central. La principale conséquence du sel sur l’environnement est la formation d’une croûte saline en surface (54,4%). Cette dernière se manifeste sur le riz par une chlorose (47,1%) et conduit à leur mortalité (48,2%). Face à ces problèmes, les riziculteurs mettent en place différentes stratégies d’adaptations durables. Il s’agit entre autres d’une mise en place de digue anti-sel et d’utilisation de fertilisants organiques contribuant ainsi à l’amélioration des rendements. Ainsi pour une meilleure gestion des contraintes identifiées, il serait intéressant de mener des expérimentations locales avec l’utilisation d’amendements organiques (biochar et compost d’anacarde) afin de proposer des pratiques plus durables. Soil degradation is a complex phenomenon, involving several factors that contribute to the loss of fertility. Among these factors, the salinization of rice-growing land has become a concern for producers in the commune of Enampore. The objective of this study is to contribute to a knowledge of the environmental problems induced by salinity. More specifically, it is to identify the different adaptation strategies of producers. The methodology used is based on a questionnaire sent to 237 households out of a total of 579 households in 5 villages. The results showed the complex effects of the climate footprint in Enampore. The main factors cited by farmers were declining rainfall (46.6%) and the advance of the salt tongue (47.2%). Moreover, the presence of salt directly affects the rice fields (96.7%). In addition, the presence of caterpillars and insects (49.8%) and acidification (41.4%) are also a central problem. The main environmental consequence of salt is the formation of a salt crust on the surface (54.4%). This manifests itself on the rice by chlorosis (47.1%) and leads to their mortality (48.2%). In response to these problems, rice farmers are implementing various sustainable adaptation strategies. These include the installation of anti-salt dams and the use of organic fertilizers to improve yields. Thus, for a better management of the identified constraints, it would be interesting to conduct local experiments with the use of organic amendments (biochar and cashew compost) in order to propose more sustainable practices

DIVECOSYS : bringing together researchers to design ecologically-based pest management for small-scale farming systems in West Africa

Crop pests are a major constraint to the intensification of agricultural production in the tropics, with novel issues related to global change (climate, land use, biological invasions, etc.), food security and preservation of natural resources and biodiversity. A research, extension and education network called DIVECOSYS (Diversity of cropping systems and ecologically-based pest management in West Africa) was launched in 2010 to synergize applied research actions in response to growing concerns on the vulnerability of agricultural systems to pest management in West Africa. This scientific network brings together research and academic institutions, with expertise spanning a multidisciplinary perspective from biology and ecology to remote sensing, agronomy and integrated pest management. Its main scientific objective is to explore the potential of biodiversity and ecological processes such as pest regulation, enabling novel ecologically-based models for productive systems, reduction of pesticide use, and adaptation or resilience of farming systems in the face of environmental disruptions. From Northern Senegal to Southern Benin, the research group explores a wide range of ecoregions and socio-ecological contexts, including stakeholders and their objectives, land use and agricultural practices, and management of biodiversity for enhancing biological control. Main challenges to be turned into opportunities include (i) encouraging collaborations amongst researchers from different scientific fields, (ii) fostering interactive research and synergies among research institutions and among countries, and (iii) developing an ecological engineering approach for the design of sustainable agricultural systems for smallholder farmers. (Résumé d'auteur