Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A (2024)

This study investigates the impact of continuous conservation agriculture (CCA) on soil chemistry and maize (Zea mays L.) productivity in the semi-arid regions of Burkina Faso. The primary objective was to evaluate the long-term effects of CCA on soil fertility, crop yields, and the socio-economic outcomes for smallholder farmers. The study was conducted over multiple growing seasons in fields practicing CCA and conventional tillage (CT), with soil samples analyzed for key chemical properties, including organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Maize yields were measured at the end of each growing season, and additional data on water retention, soil erosion, and socio-economic factors were collected through surveys. The results revealed significant improvements in soil quality under CCA, with organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels higher in CCA fields compared to CT fields. The maize yield in CCA fields was 27.5% higher than in CT fields, demonstrating the effectiveness of CCA in boosting crop productivity. Furthermore, CCA fields exhibited reduced soil erosion and improved water retention. From a socio-economic perspective, farmers practicing CCA reported lower input costs and higher income, highlighting the financial viability of adopting CCA. Statistical analysis, including analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation, confirmed that the differences between CCA and CT were statistically significant. The study concludes that CCA provides substantial ecological and economic benefits, enhancing soil health and productivity while offering farmers an opportunity to increase income and resilience to climate change. To facilitate the widespread adoption of CCA, recommendations include expanding training programs for farmers, providing financial incentives, and improving access to resources like organic mulch.