Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] fertilization practices in the fields of farmers from different socioeconomic categories in the Sahel area of Mali

Abstract

A study was carried out in 2010 and 2011 in the villages of Boussin, Djenne and Timissa in the Sahelian area of Mali, characterized by low rainfall and low soil fertility. Its objective was to describe pearl millet fertilization practices in farmer categories and analyze reasons behind these practices. Qualitative and quantitative survey methods were used with 35% of households in villages to identify the socio-economic groups of farmers. Results showed rich, medium rich, poor and very poor household groups. In Djenné, the percentages of these groups were 25, 16, 59 and 0% respectively. In Boussin, they were respectively 5, 4, 88 and 3% of the households while in Timissa they were respectively 2, 29, 69 and 0% of the households. These household groups have socio-economic characteristics that influence their agricultural production practices. In the rich, medium rich, poor and very poor households, expenditures for mineral fertilizers and organic fertilizers were reversely proportional, rich households using more mineral fertilizers.

Keywords: pearl millet, socioeconomic groups, expenditures, fertilizers