West Africa; Sudanian regions; Ley pasture; Forage; Legumes; Grasses; Afrique de l'ouest; Régions soudaniennes; Jachère fourragère; Fourrage; Légumineuses; Graminées
Abstract :
[en] In Sudanian region of Africa, agricultural systems are under increasing pressure because of human and animal population growth, climate changes, extensive practises, decreasing prices for cash crops, etc. Possibilities of intensification in smallholder farming systems of the Borgou region in Benin are limited due to difficulties to pay for external inputs. Therefore, rural communities rely heavily on low input technologies to increase crop production and animal feed. Cultivated forages are of better-feed quality for ruminants compared to weed fallows. Their integration in cropping system through ley pastures has the potential to increase not only animal feed availability but also to improve soil fertility. This paper reviews some possible grass and legume species that can be used for that purpose with a special focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the species in terms of soil and climate suitability, forage production, nutritive value and soil fertility restoration. The choice of one or several among them as leys in pure stands or mixed forage crops must be taken carefully considering the balance between advantages and disadvantages of the species, the available financial and technical inputs and the adaptation to the local environment. [fr] Dans la région soudanienne de l’Afrique, les systèmes de production agricole sont sous pression
en raison de l’augmentation de la population humaine et animale, des changements climatiques, des modes extensifs de production agricole, de la chute des coûts des produits d’exportation, etc. Les possibilités d’intensification des systèmes de production agricole dans le Borgou au Bénin sont limitées notamment à cause des faibles capacités d’investissement financier des paysans. Par conséquent, les communautés rurales comptent sur des technologies relativement peu coûteuses pour accroître les productions et assurer l’alimentation des animaux. Les cultures fourragères sont des aliments de bonne qualité en comparaison avec les jachères naturelles. Leur intégration dans les systèmes de production sous forme de jachère fourragère offre des possibilités d’augmenter non seulement les disponibilités alimentaires du bétail mais aussi d’accroître la fertilité des sols. Ce document présente une gamme de graminées et de légumineuses susceptibles d’être utilisées en jachère fourragère, mettant l’accent sur les forces et faiblesses de ces espèces en termes d’adaptation au climat, de leur production fourragère, de leur valeur alimentaire et de la restauration de la fertilité des sols. Le choix d’une ou de plusieurs de ces espèces pour les utiliser en mono-culture ou en mélange sous forme de jachère fourragère doit être fait avec précaution en tenant compte des avantages et inconvénients de ces espèces, de la capacité financière des paysans et de leur adaptation à l’environnement local.
Disciplines :
Agriculture & agronomy Animal production & animal husbandry
Author, co-author :
Adjolohoun, Sébastien; Université d'Abomey - Calavi - Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Cotonou, Bénin > Département des Productions Animales
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