Problem of the Profitability of Irrigated Agriculture in the Sahel Environment: Case of Producers of the Konni Hydro-Agricultural Development

In Niger, a poor and arid country in West Africa, irrigated agriculture is undoubtedly the means with the greatest chance of ensuring food and nutritional security, increasing incomes and therefore reducing poverty, especially in rural areas. This research aims to analyze the profitability of irrigated agriculture at the level of the hydro-agricultural development of Konni. The methodological approach adopted is based on the method of “Rapid Participatory Diagnosis and Planning of actions to improve the performance of irrigated perimeters (DPRP)”. The documentary research made it possible to capitalize on the information available on the question. The collection of primary data in the field was carried out using questionnaires and interview guides submitted to actors directly or indirectly involved in the management of Konni’s AHA, taken individually or in focus group discussions. The data collected was processed with SPSS software to be analyzed and graphically illustrated with the Excel spreadsheet. The performance analysis made it possible to identify yields and constraints to the development of irrigated agriculture. The results show that on the Konni perimeter, there is a general trend towards a reduction in areas both in SS and in SH, with higher development rates in SH (80% to 90%), whereas they are very low in SS (8% to 25%). The main crops favored by Konni producers are onions, tomatoes, cabbage, corn and sorghum. Onion and tomato crops are more important sources of income than dune crops. In this context, the main challenges to be met for a better profitability of irrigated agriculture concern the socio-economic context of production, insufficient financing of infrastructures and their maintenance, small areas often below the break-even point, environmental degradation.

Trophic Structure of the Fish Community in the Samandeni Reservoir—Burkina Faso

From November 2020 to August 2022, the diet of 12 fish species from the Samandeni reservoir was examined in order to describe the diet and the trophic level of each of them. The analysis of this vital function allows a better knowledge of the concerned ecosystem and gives opportunity for its better management. The fish were sampled with gill nets and cast net. A total of 213 stomach contents of individuals belonging to 12 species grouped in 7 families and 10 genera were analysed. Results showed low to medium vacuity coefficients. The preys were mainly composed of fish, insects, detritus, zooplankton and phytoplankton. Variability in the use of resources by individuals was evident. Thus, the 12 species were classified as fish-eating predators, granivorous, zooplanktivorous, insectivorous and filter-feeding microphages. Then, the fish trophic structure of the Samandeni reservoir was elaborated.

Mycorrhizal Inoculation Effect on the Forage Cowpea Biomass Production in Burkina Faso

In Burkina Faso, breeding occupies an important place in the country’s economy, but is based essentially on the exploitation of the natural resources (pasture) which remains limited in extent due to the extension of land cultivated by agricultural practices extensive. Food is one of the most important limiting factors in animal production, hence the need to develop mechanisms to improve the production of food resources. This study is a contribution to fodder production improvement. In this study, cowpea was grown in a greenhouse for 60 days and inoculated with two inocula of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The growth parameters were measured at 30 and 60 days after sowing. Shoot, root and total biomass were evaluated 60 days after sowing. The results show Yac 2 mix inoculum improves height growth (95.5%), height relative growth rate (525%), collar diameter (138%), collar diameter relative growth rate (328.57%), shoot biomass (396.3%), root biomass by (205.66%), total biomass by (320%), total nitrogen of aerial parts (92.39%) and total phosphorus of aerial parts (143.48%) compared to control. Yac 2 mix appears the most effective of all inoculum used in this study.

Monitoring the Physico-Chemical Quality of the Davo River (South-West of Côte d’Ivoire)

The Davo River, an affluent of the Sassandra River, like other rivers in Côte d’Ivoire, is subject to anthropogenic activities likely to deteriorate its quality which could affect its use as drinking water and also the health of aquatic organisms. This study aims at monitoring the temporal evolution of the physico-chemical quality of the waters of the Davo River at the Dakpadou hydrometric station. Twelve monthly field missions were carried out to sample water, measure temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity and analyse turbidity, Suspended solids, major elements (Cl-, NO3-,HCO3-, SO42-, Mg2+, Ca2+, Na+, and K+) and Trace Metallic Elements (Hg, Fe, Cu, Cr, and Pb). Results show that the waters of the Davo river are poorly mineralized. They are also acidic during periods of low water and slightly basic during flooding periods. The average turbidity value of 10.18 NTU places these waters in the slightly turbid class. The waters have calcic bicarbonate facies during low water periods and sodium bicarbonate facies with low concentrations of major elements during flood months. The average TME concentrations of the Davo river indicate that the waters are not harmful for the health of the population and the aquatic environment.