Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Faculté des Sciences Agronomique, Département de Production Végétale, Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Sols et d’Ecologie Microbienne, 01 BP 526 Recette Principale, Cotonou, Benin
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important cash crops that generates substantial income for producers in eastern region of Burkina Faso. Although sesame production has increased during this decade, but the yields remained low. The present study aims to improve sesame productivity, through determination of its cropping system in three agro-climatic zones of Burkina Faso. A survey was carried out on a sample of 300 producers in six communes (Bogandé, Mani, Diabo, Tibga, Pama and Kompienga) in eastern zones of Burkina Faso. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information quantitative and qualitative information. Results of the Ascending Hierarchical Classification showed three types of cropping system in the study area. A semi-intensive system (SCS1) with highest yields (358.17 ± 131.7 kg/ha) in the Sahelian and South Sudanian zone, and two extensive systems (SCS2 and SCS3) in the North Sudanian zone and South Sudanese zone. All of these different cropping systems are characterized by the cropping practices especially, the types of seeds used, the sowing method, the weeding method, soil fertility management, the level of education of farmer and sesame yield recorded. The study allowed to establish the typology of sesame-based cropping system in the study area, an important tool for the development of the sesame sector and technology adaptation for improving productivity.