Savoirs techniques locaux et pratiques : la conduite des troupeaux aux pĝturages (Ouest du Burkina Faso)

Abstract

Starting from a participative research whose purpose was to design rules for the collective management of agro-pastoral areas in the villages of Koumbia and Wally (Burkina Faso), the paper shows that breeder practices may be understood through analyses that take into account local knowledge. The study was based on a sample of ten stockbreeders. The paper sets out the framework for the characterization of the breeders' local knowledge and practices; the reference data on local knowledge and practices were derived from original investigations and direct observations of grazing livestock. The stockbreeders' knowledge on pastoral schedules (5 periods) and on pastoral land (8 main units) was structurally and functionally characterized. A description of actual grazing management practices of two stockbreeders was elaborated using the analysis framework. This helped to understand individual logics by highlighting circumstantial practices and rules shared by the stockbreeders. One result of the study was to produce a list of main and secondary grazing areas identified by the breeders, to be preserved and managed as a priority. In the discussion the authors highlight the interest of local knowledge in analysing practices and contributing to their improvement. © 2009 NSS-Dialogues EDP Sciences.