Introduction

The “Zaï” or “Tassa” technique is a traditional method used in certain regions of Africa to improve water retention and soil fertility in drylands or semi-arid areas. This technique is particularly common in countries such as Burkina Faso and Niger. In view of the advantages it offers, this technique is a real alternative for obtaining better agricultural yields in Sahelian countries. Here’s how to apply this technique.

Origin and Description

For nearly forty years, Sahelian farmers have been experimenting with various soil and water conservation techniques to reconstitute, maintain or improve the fertility of the poor, crusted soils of certain areas known as “Zippéllé”. One of the most popular techniques was the system of seed holes (half-moons) or “Zaï” in the local language. Initially imported from Mali, this technique was adopted and improved by farmers in northern Burkina Faso after the drought of the 1980s.

How to use the Zaï Technique 

Zaï consists of digging holes to concentrate run-off water and organic matter. The soil is prepared very early in the dry season by digging these troughs and discharging the soil downstream in a crescent shape. These micro-basins trap sand, silt, and organic matter carried by the wind. The whole field is surrounded by a cordon of stones or, failing that, anti-erosion bunds to control the very violent runoff on this crusted land. Organic matter is deposited and covered with a thin layer of soil. Termites, attracted by the organic matter, dig galleries at the bottom of the troughs, transforming them into funnels. After the first rains, around two weeks after adding the organic matter, the seeds can be sown. Run-off water rushes in, creating deep pockets of moisture protected from rapid evaporation. The Zaï technique thus enables water enriched by runoff and nutrients transformed by termites to be concentrated locally.

Objectives

The Agricultural Zaï technique aims to:

– promote infiltration on impermeable soils ;

– obtain better harvests on crusted land in arid zones;

– collect water and make it available for cultivation;

– increase soil water stocks;

– improve soil fertility by trapping fine particles carried by runoff and wind.

Conclusion

The Zaï technique was invented to help farmers in Sahelian countries achieve higher crop yields under unfavorable climatic conditions. This technique has many advantages. To achieve this, the governments of these countries need to popularize the technique and train the various players involved in its successful implementation. 

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