Socio-economic Factors Influencing the Adoption of Zaï and Stone Barriers in North-Central Burkina Faso: A Case Study of Korsimoro

Abstract

This study analyses the socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of two sustainable farming techniques, zaï and stone barriers, in the commune of Korsimoro, Burkina Faso. Using a Multinomial Probit econometric model, the results show that 98.31% of farmers adopt stone barriers, while 62.92% opt for zaï. Several key factors were identified, such as access to agricultural training, subsidies, credit, membership of producer organisations, household size, age and literacy level. Agricultural training, in particular, is a determining factor in the adoption of zaï, while household size and animal ownership significantly influence the adoption of stone barriers. These data highlight the importance of integrating sustainable agricultural practices into public policies in order to improve productivity, strengthen resilience in the face of climate change and preserve natural resources. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for policymakers and development practitioners in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the need for targeted support to maximise the impact of sustainable agricultural techniques in the region.