Regeneration of the Panicum laetum plains in the Gourma region in Mali

Abstract

The Panicum laetum (wild fonio) is an annual cereal the grains of which are utilised for human consumption. As a consequence of the recent droughts in Gourma, Mali, many Panicum laetum plains have been degraded. The principal objective of this research program was to find a method for the regeneration of the degraded plains. The results showed that few seeds were found in the degraded soils. Technically, there are no problems in regenerating the degraded areas. The best method for regeneration has proved to be seed broadcasting followed by hoe tillage. However, a simple hoe tillage without seed broadcasting can also facilitate regeneration. Tillage increases plant emergence and enhances plant growth. Sowing of the seeds into pockets did not give a satisfactory result. Despite the fact that the method of seed broadcasting and hoe tillage has a high labour demand, the labour productivity of 2.0 kg grain per man/hour indicates that this method can be implemented on a large scale.