From the conference, it appeared that agroforestry and agroecological practices are relevant for the Sahel context to intensify production relying firstly on the use and optimisation of existing local resources. They are also adapted to the local context where a complex integration of trees, shrubs, crops and livestock in farming systems is prevalent.
The speakers mentioned that existing practices are characterized especially for agroforestry systems and mixed systems. The results demonstrate the impacts of agroecological practices on yields and ecosystem services. According to the Sustain Sahel project, the results regarding the natural regeneration of shrubs and trees in cropping systems are impressive. Improved agroecological systems require a co-creation process between researchers, farmers and other stakeholders. Therefore, according to Fair Sahel, participatory forecasting of local territories and the use of a serious game for farming systems management are powerful instruments.
However, the agroecological transition of food systems in the Sahel is not only a matter of providing technical solutions but also of creating an enabling social and institutional environment where farmers are able to negotiate with other local stakeholders. According to Fair Sahel, it is therefore important to consider access to markets, access to good quality agricultural advisory services and training and knowledge, among other elements. Policy advocacy and dialogue are effective to support change at scale in Senegal.
The speakers of the event included Christophe Larose from INTPA F3, Eric Scopel from CIRAD (France), Harun Cicek from FiBL (Switzerland), Yelemou Barthélémy from INERA (Burkina Faso) and Astou Camara from ISRA (Senegal).