Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 6

The rural sector of Niger faces insufficient rainfall, agricultural and forage deficits, degradation of natural resources and negative externalities related to climate change. These constraints are the main factors driving down agricultural productivity, resulting in food shortages. The Djirataoua irrigated perimeter was created in the 1980s. However, its exploitation follows several production models, mainly conventional and the adoption of a few agroecological practices. Polyculture systems play an important role in the production of food, both in quantity and quality. It is practised by adopting various cropping systems and using conventional and agroecological agricultural practices. This study aims to evaluate the agroecological transition of polyculture farming practices in the irrigated perimeter of Djirataoua. The methodology consisted of collecting qualitative data by 14 focus groups with committees of the cooperative societies and of the associations of irrigation water users, 14 individual interviews with producers and resource persons in the perimeter and field observations. The data were collected, synthesised and analysed on the basis of the thirteen (13) qualitative agroecological principles. The study revealed that several agroecological practices have been adopted as part of polyculture on the Djirataoua irrigated perimeter. Producers have a good understanding of the production cycles for most crops. Most of the seeds used are locally produced. The results mainly show that several agroecological practices are adopted in the development of the irrigated perimeter of Djirataoua. More than 69% of the agroecological principles defined by the High Level Panel Experts are already well applied. Mixed farming is an ongoing source of wealth creation. It has enabled women and young people to become financially independent. Recycling and soil health are not priority issues, but require improvements to ensure a dynamic and sustainable agroecosystem. Reducing synthetic inputs is the priority issue that requires immediate intervention. In this case, the transition will consist, initially, in the exclusive use and application of approved chemical inputs at doses recommended by research institutions. In a second phase, it will be based on a process of progressive substitution of conventional inputs and practices with agroecological alternatives.