Agro-Economic Potential of Zainer Technology Compared to Endogenous Bare Land Restoration Techniques in Northern Burkina Faso

Abstract

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the agro-economic potential of an improved zainer prototype compared with three endogenous bare land restoration techniques in northern Burkina Faso, and to identify key agronomic, economic and social determinants of its adoption. Study Design: Split-plot field experiment combined with producer perception surveys. Place and Duration of Study: Village of Kounkane, Gomponsom commune, Passore Province, northern Burkina Faso, during the 2024-2025 rainy season. Methodology: A split-plot experimental design (1,936 m², 4 blocks × 4 replicates of 100 m²) was installed on bare land (zipella) using four treatments: motorised zaï (ZMo/zainer), mechanised zaï (ZMe/IR12 tooth), spherical zaï (ZS/hoe) and rectangular zaï (ZR/hoe). The Flagnon sorghum variety was used across all treatments. The compost dose was 250 g/pit for ZMo, ZMe and ZS, and 500 g/pit for ZR, reflecting the agronomic recommendation for rectangular pits whose larger surface area and volume require proportionally higher organic matter input. Soil roughness index, pit dimensions, working time, fuel consumption, grain and straw yields were measured. Financial profitability was assessed using total production costs, gross margin and benefit-cost ratio (BCR). Statistical analysis used one-way ANOVA with the Newman-Keuls post-hoc test at the 5% significance level. The treatment (zaï type) was the experimental unit; each block (n=4) constituted an independent replication. Producer perceptions were collected from 15 farmers through structured interviews conducted with informed consent and in accordance with ethical guidelines for social science research. Results: The rectangular zaï produced the widest (39.75 cm) and deepest (21.75 cm) pits with the highest roughness index (1.32) and grain yield (2,000 kg/ha). The zainer produced the shallowest pits (8.50 cm depth) with the lowest roughness index (1.05) and lowest grain yield (1,125 kg/ha), below the Flagnon field average (1,750 kg/ha). The zainer significantly reduced working time by 63% compared with rectangular zaï (298 vs 804 h/ha). None of the techniques was profitable in year one; the zainer recorded the largest losses (gross margin: -490,731 FCFA/ha; BCR: 0.48) mainly due to fuel costs (195 L/ha × 1,047 FCFA/L = 204,375 FCFA/ha, representing 26% of total costs). The spherical zaï achieved the best BCR (0.93). Producer surveys (n=15) showed that 86.7% cited high fuel consumption as the main constraint, 33.3% cited operational complexity and 80% expressed willingness to pay for the tool. Conclusion: The zainer offers a significant labour-saving advantage (−63% working time) but its current technical design limits agronomic and economic performance. Technical redesign of the auger (target depth: 12–15 cm) and engine (lower fuel consumption) is needed before broader deployment.