Sustainable management of agricultural land in the rural commune of Sanankoroba, circle of Kati

Abstract

Summary

The rural commune of Sanankororba located in the circle of Kati in Mali, is characterized by a very great diversity of natural ecosystems, which host resources such as soil, vegetation, water. These elements constitute the main wealth of the commune whose agricultural activities occupy the majority of the population and provide them with the essential of their means of existence. However, for several decades, there has been a continuous degradation of agricultural land mainly due to demographic pressure, harmful agricultural practices and climatic hazards. It is in this context that the present study has set the objective of analyzing the techniques of conservation of agricultural land used in the rural commune of Sanankoroba in order to contribute to their sustainable management. The methodological approach adopted focused on the documentary review and the analysis of quantitative and qualitative survey data. The data collected in February 2021 was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis using SPSS 20.00 and Excel 2016 software and discourse content analysis. The results of the study show an overexploitation of the land, which seriously threatens the soil resources of the commune. The agricultural land conservation techniques used by the peasants of the commune are erosion control measures (different kinds of stone barriers, grassy strips, earthen bunds), fallowing, the use of mineral fertilizers and organic manure. It appears that the sustainable management of agricultural land in the rural commune of Sanankororba requires the popularization of environmentally friendly agricultural techniques and inputs and better support for farmers.