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A difficult habitat
The northern Central Plateau – also called Mossi Plateau – is an
essential habitat for Burkina Faso: About 50% of the total rural population
live in only one quarter of the countries total space.
Mostly settled Mossi farmers live in the region. Their neighbors are Fulbe
crop farmers and Fulbe livestock farmers.
The natural potential is low: poor soil, irregular distribution of rainfall
with periodic droughts and a hot climate, factors that are a burden for the
health and the physical capacity. |
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The northern Central Plateau |
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Drought periods – Desertification – Environmental Refugees
In the last century there were three big drought periods, the last one
in the years 1968 – 1984. Drought periods are not unusual for the Sahel
Zone. As a rule Mossi crop farmers flee the country for a limited period of
time during the drought periods. The possibilities of escaping the drought
are decreasing and poverty as environmental refugees is at the same time
increasing.
High unemployment rate during drought periods
After harvesting in November the farmers do not have anymore work because of
the drought. Ten thousands of men then leave their villages and try to find
work in cities or in neighboring countries as seasonal workers. In May they
return to cultivate their fields for the next harvest.
Intensification of agriculture
Instead of having to accept badly paid work in cities it would be much
better to invest the same time in the own farmland by building contour stone
walls. |
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Village on the Central Plateau
Women milling their
Millet
Farmer tilling his filed
up |
