In the heart of West Africa, a silent revolution is brewing, one that could redefine the future of agriculture and energy in the Sahel region. A groundbreaking study, led by Seyni Salack from the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land-use (WASCAL), is shedding light on sustainable intensification pathways that could mitigate the impacts of climate change and boost agricultural productivity. The research, published in Environmental Research Communications, explores the intricate crop-livestock-climate nexus, offering scalable solutions for a region grappling with changing land use patterns and extreme weather events.
The Sahel, a semi-arid region stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, is home to the Volta and Niger River basins. Here, competition between crops and livestock farming systems is intensifying, driven by climate change and shifting land use patterns. Salack and his team conducted integrated crop-livestock experiments across Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, and Niger, covering 80 pilot farms over five rainy seasons from 2018 to 2022. The results are promising and could have significant implications for the energy sector, particularly in waste management and emission reduction.
The study identified two primary intensification pathways that emphasize the use of crop residues, composts, and agroclimatic information advisory systems. These pathways not only enhance soil health and water retention but also increase resilience to climate extremes. “Integrating biodigester technology, composting, and micro-dosing practices provides short and medium-term benefits,” Salack explains. “This sustainable approach is scalable and addresses waste management and emission reduction, aligning with climate-smart practices.”
The experiments involved both intensive and extensive pilot sites. Intensive sites implemented Fisher block experiments under natural conditions, using digestate from biodigesters. Extensive sites employed a randomized complete block design with compost from pits or surfaces. A customized agroclimatic information package, including sub-seasonal-to-seasonal forecasts and agricultural advisories, was provided to farmers. This package helped farmers make informed decisions, optimizing their use of resources and improving crop yields.
The results are clear: organic amendments significantly impacted soil nutrient levels. Compost from pits exhibited superior carbon storage, even under recorded weather extremes. Organic fertilization increased nitrogen content, compensating for plant nitrogen exports. Digestate-based and pit compost treatments effectively enhanced soil fertility in terms of carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Crop production showed marked improvements, particularly in treatments receiving organic amendments and micro-doses of chemical fertilizers.
So, how might this research shape future developments in the field? The integration of biodigester technology and composting practices offers a dual benefit: improved agricultural productivity and enhanced waste management. For the energy sector, this means new opportunities for biogas production and reduced methane emissions from livestock waste. Moreover, the use of agroclimatic information advisory systems can help farmers adapt to climate change, reducing the need for energy-intensive irrigation and other climate mitigation strategies.
To promote these mixed farming systems, agricultural policies must include awareness campaigns, subsidies for biodigester technology, and technical training for farmers. As Salack puts it, “Agricultural policies must evolve to support these sustainable practices, ensuring that farmers have the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in a changing climate.”
The study, published in Environmental Research Communications, translates to Environmental Research Letters in English, underscores the importance of a holistic approach to agriculture and climate change. By addressing the crop-livestock-climate nexus, we can create a more resilient and sustainable future for the Sahel region and beyond. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, this research offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating that sustainable intensification is not just a possibility but a necessity. The future of agriculture and energy in the Sahel is bright, and it’s powered by innovation, sustainability, and a deep understanding of the land and its people.
