Determinants of the practice of Zai and mulching in North Burkina Faso

Research on two indigenous soil- and water-conservation techniques, Zai and mulching, was conducted in three villages in the Passore province, North Burkina Faso. The aim was to compare them and to assess why farmers choose to apply one, both or none. A total of 55 farmers were interviewed of which 15 applied only Zai; 13 only mulching, 15 both and 12 neither technique. Factor and cluster analysis and students-tests were used to assess relations between farmers knowledge and opportunities and their application of the techniques. Farmers acquired their knowledge through their direct environment. They used the techniques mainly on bush fields, on Zipelle and Zegdega soils, and on dry eroded valley soils but certainly not on wet valley soils. They used them on sorghum and certainly not on legumes. Zai appeared to require more labor than mulching. Farmers applying Zai had larger households, more means of transport and more livestock, which is consistent with their need for manpower and manure. Judged by quality of housing, means of transport and agricultural equipment, these farmers were richer than those using neither technique. It is not clear if this is a cause or effect of the use of the techniques.