Traditional Knowledge and Climate Adaptation Among Smallholder Farmers in Burkina Faso: A Survey Analysis

Traditional knowledge has been a cornerstone of agricultural practices in Burkina Faso for centuries. Smallholder farmers often rely on indigenous knowledge systems to adapt to climate variability and ensure food security. A structured survey was conducted among a representative sample of smallholder farmers across different regions of Burkina Faso. The questionnaire included questions about their traditional knowledge, current agricultural practices, and climate-related challenges. The analysis revealed that approximately 75% of respondents use traditional knowledge in selecting crops suited to local conditions, while only 30% rely solely on modern meteorological forecasts for irrigation scheduling. Traditional knowledge plays a significant role in the adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers. However, there is potential for enhancing these practices through integration with more modern climate information systems. Policy makers should consider supporting initiatives that promote the documentation and dissemination of traditional agricultural knowledge to improve overall resilience against climate change impacts. Traditional Knowledge, Climate Adaptation, Smallholder Farmers, Burkina Faso