Perception of Agroecological Practices by Farmers in the Sub-Prefectures of n’ganon, Niofoin and Sirasso in the Department of Korhogo (Ivory Coast)

Abstract

A survey was carried out in villages in the sub-prefectures of N'ganon, Niofoin and Sirasso in the north of Côte d'Ivoire in order to understand the perception of agroecological practices by farmers. The target population consists of 150 individuals including 94 men and 56 women. The results of this survey showed that the majority of farmers are illiterate (86.67%). Farmers are mainly men (62.67%﴿). Then, the farmers surveyed in the three sub-prefectures are 58% engaged in agriculture and 42% practice agriculture and livestock farming. Agroecological practices the most applied by farmers in the three northern study sub-prefectures are: rotational crops (100%), the shrub-crop association (92%) and the sole crop of legumes (78.67%) Indeed, the farmers of the three localities have agricultural practices based on the overexploitation of natural resources, the intensive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. These farmers have a lack of knowledge of agroecological practices. As a result, agroecological practices are very important and deserve the particular attention of agricultural policy makers in general, officials in charge of agriculture and the environment, farmers and researchers in agriculture. particular to preserve the environment, food and health security, and for sustainable agriculture.