Typology of agro-pastoralists and animal feeding practices under agro-ecological framework in the Guiriko region, western Burkina Faso

In ruminant production systems, several strategies and practices are adopted coping with forage deficits. This study aimed to identify these strategies and analyze the agricultural practices implemented on agro-pastoral farms. It was conducted among 287 agro-pastoralists. Data were processed using R and SPSS software. The results revealed three categories of agro-pastoralists: small-scale, medium-scale, and large-scale. Small-scale agro-pastoralists mainly use fields (77%) and fallow land (64%) to feed their animals. In response to forage deficits, they store crop residues (73%). For crop production, they rely on animal traction (71%) and apply organic manure (54%). Medium-scale agro-pastoralists exploit fields (82%) and pasture areas (55%) to feed their animals. Faced with feed constraints, they store crop residues (77%), use feed supplements (68%), exploit spontaneous fodder trees on rangelands (59%), and reduce herd size (55%). In crop production, they use animal traction (91%), apply organic manure (77%), and practice rotational penning (55%). Large-scale agro-pastoralists use fields (89%), lowlands (56%), and grazing areas (56%) for livestock feeding. They store crop residues (86%), practice supplementation (59%), exploit spontaneous fodder trees on rangelands (53%), cultivate fodder crops (51%), and mow and store natural fodder (50%). In crop production, they use animal traction (89%), practice rotational penning (76%), and apply organic manure (69%). This study identified the strategies adopted by agro-pastoralists to ensure ruminants feeding. To improve these production systems, we recommend prioritizing agroecological practices such as legume fodder crop cultivation, along with better management of crop and animal by-products, for a better sustainable agro pastoral production.