Peasant perception and causes of land degradation in the commune of Koumbia in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Land degradation is a phenomenon that affects most countries around the world. Burkina Faso, particularly the district of Koumbia, is no exception. The objective of this study is to contribute to the analysis of farmers' perception and the causes of land degradation in this district. The methodology used is based on the creation of a vegetation index map and also on an individual survey carried out among a sample of 120 heads of households, i.e. 40 for each of the three villages concerned by the study. As a result, for the commune's producers, land degradation is synonymous of poor soil or low soil fertility. They assess this state of affairs on the basis of plant species, the presence of the soil and its productivity. For example, 19% of producers consider soil colour as a criterion for land degradation, 31% of producers consider the appearance of Striga Hermonthica in the field as evidence of land degradation, and 34% of producers think that the decrease in crop yields is also a factor in assessing the quality of the land. It is also important to note that anthropogenic causes are the main cause of land degradation in the district of Koumbia. Thus, it is necessary to take into account endogenous knowledge in the implementation of projects and programmes to combat land degradation.