Planet Farmers: what is it?

To improve soils and restore biodiversity

Like many countries, Togolese farmers practice monoculture: one plant grown at a time and bare soil between two seasons. Here and elsewhere, this practice depletes the soil, weakens biodiversity and disrupts the flow of water. In response, farmers are turning to chemical inputs creating the situation we know. ECHOPPE asked Roland Bunch, an international consultant specializing in cover crops and green manures, to experiment and develop these practices in Togo.

Cover crops, as their name suggests, make it possible to cover the soil and then limit evapotranspiration from it to conserve precious water. Installed, their roots will penetrate the ground, decompact it and raise the deep water. Plowing then seems unnecessary, it is advisable to minimize or even eliminate it. These plants produce organic matter which, as it degrades, will feed the soil with mineral elements and nutrients. Cover crops associated with the main crop increase biodiversity, which is more interesting from an economic point of view for the farmers but also for the functioning of the ecosystem, its balance, the health of the plants.

This technique is interesting given the growing conditions in Togo, particularly in the action area of Planète Paysan Togo. The current experiment on the experimental farm consists, on 1.5 hectares, of comparing the effectiveness of two cover crops in association with maize: mucuna and cowpea. The latter will be sown 45 days after the corn. Other experiments are also underway to help improve uncultivated soils.

Faithful to the perspective of Planète Paysan, these experiments should make it possible to validate the interest of this technique on the economic and ecological levels before distributing it to farmers.

Reforestation

• Tree seedlings, particularly Neem, are distributed for planting in rows along the edges of plots (to avoid obstructing machinery access). Farmers are responsible for watering and monitoring them during the first few years.
• Benefits: Retains moisture, provides shade, protects against certain pests (Neem), and enriches the soil.

Agroforestry, which combines agricultural crops with tree plantations, is at the heart of our approach to restoring soils and combating deforestation. This method helps diversify farmers' income sources while improving biodiversity and capturing atmospheric carbon. Planète Paysans supports communities in implementing these practices, promoting a sustainable balance between agricultural production and environmental conservation.

• Soybean cultivation should be further developed, as it is not widely grown in Togo.
• Requires less water and fewer inputs than maize.
• Enriches the soil when plant residues are incorporated after harvest.
• Offers a valuable economic opportunity for farmers, as soy is increasingly in demand for human consumption.