Sahel’s Agricultural Output Surpasses 6,000 Tonnes
In a remarkable feat, the Sahel region produced 6,640.5 tonnes of crops over the 2023-2024 dry season, despite severe security threats and challenging conditions. Covering 411 hectares across 90 sites, the season’s output was confirmed by the Sahel Regional Directorate for Agriculture, Animal Resources, and Fisheries (DRARAH) during a review meeting held on 8th November 2024 in Dori, Burkina Faso. This outcome reflects the region’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Collaboration Leads to Agricultural Success
The successful harvest is attributed to the collaborative efforts of DRARAH agents, local producer organisations, and various partners. Abdoul Karim Zongo, Secretary General of the Sahel region, emphasised the vital role of these stakeholders, whose contributions of technical and financial support were crucial in sustaining crop production throughout the season. Their coordinated approach enabled farmers to navigate challenges and produce substantial yields.
Decline in Production Due to Insecurity
While the Sahel region achieved notable yields, total production dropped by 34.88% from the previous season’s 8,957.43 tonnes. DRARAH reported that escalating insecurity forced many farmers to abandon their fields, resulting in reduced planting and lower yields. The harsh realities of insecurity and threats in the region have posed significant obstacles to farmers, impacting both the land under cultivation and the quantity of produce harvested.
Primary Crops Yield Despite Adversity
Despite the decrease, the primary crops of the Sahel region, such as onions, cabbage, and tomatoes, continued to thrive. The season’s production included 2,333.9 tonnes of onions, 1,358.84 tonnes of cabbage, and 932.54 tonnes of tomatoes, demonstrating that, with adequate support, critical crops can still be produced even amid adverse conditions. Market garden crops remained the backbone of the region’s agricultural output.
Challenges Impacting Future Agricultural Productivity
DRARAH’s officials highlighted that apart from security concerns, extreme weather patterns also contributed to lower crop yields. Addressing these challenges will be crucial to sustain and potentially improve agricultural productivity in the future. The Sahel region’s agricultural sector has shown resilience, but the impacts of climate variability and instability continue to challenge food production capabilities.
Planning Ahead for Sustainable Agriculture
Looking forward, DRARAH has begun preparing an operational plan to address the issues identified during the season. As part of this initiative, officials have evaluated the requirements for seeds and fertilisers to support the 2024-2025 dry season. By providing essential resources and strengthening security measures, DRARAH aims to improve crop production, ensuring that the Sahel’s agricultural resilience continues to support its local economy and food security.
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