Determinants of the Integration of Local Knowledge and Organizational Innovations by Producers Facing Climate Change in the Koulsé Region, Burkina Faso
Mahamoudou Koutou *
Thomas Sankara University, Tenkodogo University Center, 12 BP 417 Ouagadougou 12, Burkina Faso.
Boundia Alexandre Thiombiano
Nazi Boni University, Institute of Rural Development, 01 BP 1091 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
Zeya Kaboré
Thomas Sankara University, Tenkodogo University Center, 12 BP 417 Ouagadougou 12, Burkina Faso.
Abdoul Khaled Sawadogo
Nazi Boni University, Institute of Rural Development, 01 BP 1091 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
Stéphane Ilboudou
Office for studies, Research and Support-Advice for Local Initiatives, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Patrice Toé
Nazi Boni University, Institute of Rural Development, 01 BP 1091 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Climate change threatens agro-pastoral livelihoods in Burkina Faso, while the roles of local environmental indicators and organizational initiatives in producer responses remain insufficiently documented in the Koulsé region.
Aims: This study analysed producers’ resilience strategies in Burkina Faso in the face of climate change.
Place and Duration of Study: The rural communes of Boussouma and Korsimoro in the Koulsé region, between November and December 2025.
Methodology: The data were collected through a survey of 270 households. Descriptive analyses and Poisson and logit econometric models were applied.
Results: The results show that the migratory pattern of the Tockus nasatus bird (15 %), the disappearance of the Myrmica sp. insect and the construction of termite mounds by Cubitermes sp. (15 %), wind patterns (13 %) and the maturation of certain trees (Pterocarpus lucens and Ficus sycomorus : 4 %) guide farmers’ decision-making regarding the practices to adopt in anticipation of the likely impacts of climate change. These practices include agro-sylvo-pastoral techniques (zaï: 88 %, stone bunds: 78 %, fattening: 37 %, agroforestry: 92 %) and organizational innovations, including Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA: 40%). The econometric analysis reveals that technical training (IRR = 1.232; p < .001), land tenure status (IRR = 1.489; p = .018) and cultivated area (IRR = 1.028; p = .003) are significantly and positively associated with the intensity of resilience practices. VSLA participation is predominantly female (OR = 0.183; p < .001) and is influenced by institutional support (OR > 4; p < .05).
Conclusion: Greater recognition of local knowledge in agricultural policies and institutional support for rural women could support a more effective response to climate change.
Keywords: Climate change adaptation, local knowledge, indigenous climate indicators, producer resilience, agroforestry, soil and water conservation, technical training