Characterization of maize cultivation practices in the province of Kenedougou
1 Department of integrated natural resource management (GIRN), faculty of Genetics and Improvement of Tropical Species (GAMET), Laboratory for the Study and Research of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (LERNSE), University Nazi BONI (UNB), Bobo-Dioulasso. 01 BP: 1091 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
2 National Center for Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST), Institute for the Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA), Regional Directorate for Environmental and Agricultural Research for the West (Farako-Bâ), 01 BP 910, Bobo Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Science and Technology, 2025, 15(02), 079-088.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjst.2025.15.2.0135
Publication history:
Received 16 October 2025; revised on 25 November 2025; accepted on 27 November 2025
Abstract:
Several studies have demonstrated the positive impact of good farming practices on agricultural yields. However, little is known about the farming practices adopted by farmers on their own land. This study aimed to characterize the farming practices adopted by producers on farms in the province of Kezdoglou. To this end, a survey followed by observations of practices in the fields was conducted among sixty-three (63) farmers. The results showed that the cropping system used by producers in the province consisted of monoculture and polyculture. Additionally, crop rotation was dominated by cereal-legume rotation. Similarly, the soil fertility management system mainly consisted of applying cow dung-based organic manure to specific areas of the fields. Furthermore, animal traction and manual sowing remained the main methods used in the province's fields. The field maintenance techniques used by farmers include ridging and weeding. To control weeds, producers applied several rounds of pre- and post-emergence herbicide treatment. Pest management, such as for the fall armyworm, was carried out using synthetic insecticides. The technical crop management practices followed by producers in the province were highly diversified and, for most farms, far removed from research recommendations. Therefore, it would therefore be advisable to raise farmers' awareness of the benefits of crop rotation systems, soil fertility management, and proper monitoring of technical practices in order to increase crop productivity.
Keywords:
Farming Practices; Management Methods; Maize; Kenedougou; Typology
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