Pig Farming Systems and Pathways to Agroecological Intensification in Burkina Faso, West Africa

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Résumé

This study analyzed the diversity of management of pig farming systems in Burkina Faso and their possible implications for agroecological intensification. Data were collected from 387 pig farmers in rural and peri-urban areas across two major agroecological zones using a semi-structured questionnaire. Farmers' socio-economic characteristics and management practices were analyzed using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) on 14 categorical variables, followed by Hierarchical Clustering on Principal Components (HCPC). Three distinct pig farming systems were identified, reflecting a gradient of intensification. System I (n = 40), found exclusively in the Sudano-Sahelian zone, was extensive, and scavenging-based, practiced by predominantly illiterate crop farmers with small herds of local breeds. This low-input system exhibited strong crop–livestock integration and resource recycling, suggesting potential resilience. System II (n = 257), the most prevalent, represented an improved traditional model with small-to medium-sized herds of local pigs, traditional housing, weekly cleaning, and low external input use. Moderate crop–livestock integration and resource recycling indicated moderate potential for agroecological intensification. System III (n = 90) was intensive and market-oriented, with medium-to large-sized herds of local and crossbred pigs, semi-modern housing, daily cleaning, hired labor, and regular access to veterinary services. While more productive, this system relied heavily on external inputs and showed weaker integration with cropping systems. Overall, the findings highlight differentiated pathways for improving sustainability in pig production. The observed practices suggest varying degrees of alignment with agroecological principles, but direct indicators of transition were not measured. System-specific strategies, such as strengthening low-input practices and crop–livestock integration in traditional systems, and promoting resource efficiency in intensive systems, could support more resilient pig farming in Burkina Faso

Mots-clés

agroecology, farming, Intensification, sub-Saharan Africa, Sus scrofa domesticus