31 March 2014[Tapez un texte] [Tapez un texte] ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT. I. Overview.

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1 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT I. Overview. Fonio is one of the oldest cereals from Africa (Vietmeyer N. et al., 1996). Of the three species of the genus Digitaria, Digitaria exilis Stapf and Digitaria iburua Stapf (also called iburu fonio or black) are the ones present in Mali. For a long time, fonio was considered a minor and secondary crop. Unlike the major cereal crops, very little research and extension work has been done to promote fonio. It has therefore been neglected in agricultural policy in Mali.Compare to millet, sorghum and maize, fonio is a neglected crop. Less recommandation where done by reseach.. Despite this neglect, the crop was maintained over time with a gradual increase of its production Yields are low and vary between 600 kg / ha in the northern guinean zone and about 400 kg / ha in the sahelian (DRAME et al. Fonio CFC Project Report, 2000 Nutritionally, fonio is richer in essential amino acids like methionine (350 mg / gn) and cysteine (Vietmeyer N. et al. 1996). Its content of insulin-secreting amino acids (valine, leucine, isoleucine) is higher compared to other cereals such as rice, maize or pearl millet. Compared to other cereals, it is more digestible and better suites diets of patients with diabetes and obesity. Fonio is also rich in starch and carbohydrates and low in fat, protein and minerals such as iron and zinc compared to other cereals in West Africa (Koreissi Y et al., 2009). The type of carbohydrate present in fonio helps maintain the glycemic index in the blood. This project is based on a participative approach and a multidisciplinary approach. Partners among whom farmers organizations, research institutions are going to contribute in the resolution of varieties, agronomic, culinary and in the work hardness of the shelling constraints. The general objective of the project is to contribute to the increase fonio yield. 1. Validate the results of the molecular characterization of the ecotypes of Mali 2. Estimate and multiply seed of the best ecotypes of fonio in partnership with the producers and the producers 3. Determine a dose of economically profitable urea in connection with the density of sowing and the times of works 4 Estimate the effect of the burying of the residues of harvest of the fonio on the fertility of the ground and the return on the subsequent culture 5. To strengthen the capacities of the producers and the producers through the participative selection, the acquisition of a husking machine, the implementation of the platform of dialogue between producers and the committee of shelling For the infringement of the objectives of the project, six activities will be realized Activity 1: Validation of the molecular characterizations and phénotypiques Activity 2. Participative evaluation and selection and production of semens the best ecotypes of fonio Activity 3 : Developing a mineral fertilization rate in relation with the density of sowing, the weeding times of works. Activity 4 : Evaluation of the effect of the burying of the residues of harvest of the fonio on the fertility and the return on the subsequent culture.

2 Activity 5 : Intensification of the capacities of the producers by the acquisition of the equipments of shelling and the implementation of the flat form of dialogue between producers and the committee of shelling. The project is very important for the dietary system of Mali. As plantation of weld, the fonio allows on one hand to reduce the dietary insecurity and to improve the nutritional quality of food and is sources of incomes. The project allows making recommendations for specific constraints identify by producers like variety referring to the farmers expectations, rate of sowing, the formulation of appropriate dose of mineral.

3 II. Narrative Based upon the objectives, provide a description of your project over the past year. Activité 1 : Validation des caractérisations moléculaires et phénotypiques Samples DNA of fonio landraces were sent to the University of Cornell for a molecular characterization. During this campaign, the activity will be focus on of validating these results by the confrontation of the results of the molecular characterizations in the phenotypic characteristics. Unfortunately, molecular characterization results are not still available Activité 2. Participative evaluation and selection of the best ecotypes of fonio. Three operations were realized under this activity. One on-station and two on-farm. Multilocal evaluation of the best ecotype were realized at Cinzana and Farako Stations. Fonio field diversity and on-farm demonstration plot were realized on farm level. The objective is to identify in station and in farmer in partnership with the producers the best landraces answering the concerns of the producers. Two series of observations were made: the characteristics agro-morphological and farmers appreciations. 1) Multilocal trial of the best ecotyps. Those trials were realized at the Station de Recherche Agronomique de Cinzana in sahelian zone and at the Sous station de recherche Agronomique de Farako located at North Guinean zone. 34 ecotypes were evaluated. 2) Fields diversity trial (mother trial). They were conducted in 4 villages Siguila and N' Gonye in Sahelian zone and Mandéla 1 and Mandéla 2 in the Guinean north zone. The material consists by 11 better ecotypes stemming from the characterization of the ecotyp collected in sahelian and nord guinean zone. 3) Demonstration plot (baby trials) Five groups of varieties were estimated at five groups of farmers. The first group included Tama Founou / Sanekuy, Niatia et de la Locale. The secund included Fini Telimani de Farako Fini/Diabougouy and the local. The third included Fini Telimani de Kébila Fini/Solosso and the local. The fourth included Fini Koussana, Fini/Wintiguibougou and the local et la fifth included Fony/Mongué/Dialassagou, Fini/Kamba and the local. Four farmers constituted one group is a total of 40 farmers among which 20 for the Sahelian zone and 20 for the zone the North Guinean The various maintenances were realized at good period in the Guinean north zone and in the bad periods in the Sahelian zone. Follow up to the rain fall constraints, the tests realized in the Sahelian zone were a failure. The main difficulties which we met are connected to the rainfall causing late sowing, Conflicts in the cultural calendar. In the SRA, a 75 mm rain after the sowing caused the forming crusts. It affected the density.

4 To face these constraints, the farmers were invited to weed the plots of land, in SRA Cinzana, we proceeded to the implementation of a new plot of land as a replacement of first attempts. Activity 3: seed production This activity was conducted at Cinzana, N Tarla and Koporo. The seed of 16 landraces were produce. Activity 4: Developing strategies and mineral fertilization formulas for fonio in Sahelian and North Guinea areas in Mali During the crop years, we implemented on-station trial and fertilizer on- farm demonstration plot. On-station, 4 trials were implemented at Cinzana and Farako Trial 1: Developing mineral fertilizer rate in relation with seed among well adapted in Sahelian and North Guinea Zones. Objective: Identification of good combination between fertilizer and density We set up a test with a factorial arrangement with three replications. Factor 1: 2 densities (D1= 15 kg/ha of seed, D2 = 30 kg/ha of seed) Factor 2: 8 levels of phosphorus and urea ( 0 kg, 50 kg/ha urea, 50 kg/ha DAP, 50 kg/ha DAP + 50 kg/ha urea, 75 kg/ha of DAP, 75 kg/ha DAP + 50 kg/ha urea, 100 kg/ha DAP, 100 kg/ha of DAP + 50 urea). In this study, we wanted to evaluate the effect of fertilization on fonio paddy yield in station. At Cinzana, the trial was seeded on july 16 and at farako, the trial was seeded on june 30. At Cinzana, Raining season start very late, it was not allowed for a rapid implementation.. At Farako, the results were below expectations. However, the vegetation during the growing period was very good. We believe that there was a verse of paddy at one tile in the process (before harvest or between harvesting and threshing). At Cinzana, to take advantage of the first rains.at Farako, the low yield during this season challenges us a lot. For future campaign s, very close monitoring will be realized to better understand the problem. Trial 2: Evaluation of the effects of the contribution of urea at flag leaf stage on the yields on the fonio Objective: To evaluate the effect of period application of urea on the performance of fonio. The device used is a block of Fisher with three replications. Five treatments are used ( no fertilizer; 50 kg/ha DAP; 50 kg/ha DAP+ 50 kg/ha urea at seeding time; 50 kg/ha de DAP at sowing + 25 kg/ha urea at heading time; 50 kg/ha de DAP at sowing + 50 kg/ha urea at heading; 25 kg/ha urea at heading and 50 kg/ha urea at heading. At Cinzana, farmers choose a specific period to spread fertilizer (urea), we want to know the best time to apply fertilizer. At Farako, on-farm, a boost is given to fonio by bringing a little urea. We want to check the logic of this contribution to fonio yield.

5 At Cinzana, no specific challenges were encounter during the growing season. At Farako, the vegetative appearance was good, visible differences were observed during the growing period but yields have not followed for reasons that we cannot explain. Trial 3: Evaluation of the impact of the density of sowing in relationship with the mode of weeding on the yields on the fonio. Objective: To evaluate the effects of seeding density and weed on fonio yield. The experimental device is factorial block design with three replications. Factor 1: 2 varieties (early variety; late Variety), Factor 2: 3 rates of seed (15;30 and 45 kg/ha, Factor 3: 2 levels for weed ( full and no weeding) In this test, we evaluated the effect of seeding rate and weed control on fonio yield. At Cinzana, we observed that the weed was higher in non-weeded plots. But this difference was not observed in performance. At Farako, we will take the necessary steps to properly assess some indicators during vegetation period to better appreciate the effect of nitrogen fertilization on fonio. Further observations will be down to understand what is happening. Trial 4: Blank test: Evaluation of the effect of burying crop residues on soil fertility and yield of the subsequent crop. Objective: Evaluate the effect of burying crop residues fonio on soil fertility improved performance of the subsequent millet crop. Burying crop residues fonio by plowing at the end on raining season could improve soil structure and increase the yield of the next crop of millet. Poor rains and non-performance of the fertilizer characterized the 2013 campaign. Seeding had a significant positive effect on weed field in favor of high density. The method of weeding had a significant positive effect on paddy yield I favor of complete weed control. For more fonio biomass to bury, it is necessary to clean the plot. On-farm trial: On-farm evaluation of various rates of Phosphate of ammonia on fonio. Objective: Assessment of mineral fertilization on fonio yield in farmer s field in Sahelian et North Guinea area. Experimental design is in block, each farmer is a replication. Two treatments (50 kg/ha and 100 kg/ha of DAP) were compared to farmer practice. In these tests, we wanted to assess the effect of fertilization on the yield of fonio in rural areas. Plantings were made late, yields were low. Arrange to give seeds to farmers before the end of April and avoid late planting. Activity: 5 Organoleptic characterizations of fonio Objective: Identify the tastiest ecotypes Number of ecotyps : 35 Observations: the taste, the smell the color and the texture. Number of wine tasters: 15

6 Scale of notation of sample:5 : Very well ; 4 : well ; 3 : Passable ; 2 : bad ; 1 : very bad. No difficulty was registered during the realization of this activity. Activity 6: Plat form multi-actors The main realizations were the acquisition of the husking machine by the cooperative, the implementation of a plat-forms multi-actors. The acquisition of the husking machine answered in main clause neck of the production line of the fonio. The acquisition reduced the hardness of the works of the fonio and allowed the women to sell the stocks of past years and to sell the product of this year to a better price. The implementation of platform multi-actors was focused on the management of the husking machine of fonio of Mandela. We applied participatory approach methodology developped by IAR4D. The platform includes 11 actors. It includes a governing body of 20 members among which 5 men and 15 women. The strategy of functioning is the following one: Training course focus on technical and management aspects; Establishment of a periodic assessment of the management of the husking machine Two meetings by month Monitoring and evaluation of the platform by IER Visits of exchanges in other localities Today, the husking machine and the platforms multi-actors are functional The implementation of these two operations, met no difficulty. It had a real craze of the population for this activity. However, the cooperative was confronted has one under estimation of the cost of shelling of the kilo of paddy. It did not allow making a profit. The running costs were covered. The platform could be used for the correct execution of the activities of the project. An exchange visit will be organized to Tominian to allow the members of platform to be inspired by the experience of Tominian. The cooperative will be formed in calculation of economic profitability for a better price setting of the shelling of the kilo of paddy. An additional budget will be assigned to the cooperative to cover expenses related to the visit of exchange to Tominian and the expenses of training.

7 So What? Activity 2 : selection We gave producers and producers a variety of material for the cycle and yield. In north guinea zone, the following results were recorded on station. Flowering periods are between 55 and 90 days. It allows each farmer to choose the variety which is compatible with its cultural calendar. The grain yield varied between 160 and 980 kg / ha. Among 35 ecotyp, 7 were ealyer and yielding better than the local check. The producers also identified genotypes with big grains. The thickness of grains is a characteristic looked for on the market. Three better varieties chosen by the producers were Fini de Solosso Fini wintiguibougou and Finiba de Samakou Dansira. They were appreciated for their precocity, the density of the fertile tallage and the thickness of grains. For the farmers of the Sahelian zone, because of the constraints connected to the late sowing, in the forming of croup of battance, In the blocking with sand of the plots and in the premature stop of the rain, the obtained results are bellow our expectations. There are real expectations of the farmers for the obtaining of the seeds of new ecotype. There is an important need of production of seed of the better ecotyps and their registration. For the Sahelian zone, because of the difficulties, the various experiments will be reprogrammed for the next campaign. It will have for consequence a delay of one year in the initial programming. In North Guinean zone, the results obtained this year do not cause modification in the initial programming of the activities. Activity 3: seed production The seed of 16 ecotyps were produced à Cinzana, N Tarla et Koporo and allow to obtain 1500 kg of seed. The quantities of produced seeds will allow satisfying the needs for the tests and requests of the partners. Activity 4: Agronomy The main idea I remember this year is the involvement and good control of women to grow fonio. They participated in all stages of the implementation of the platform. Despite the low yields, we see that the cultivation of fonio is gaining importance area. Many producers are now asking for seed. With the choice of the best varieties made by producers, we must continue the work sought. These fluctuations in the evolution of yields challenge us and efforts should be made. Activity 5: Organoleptic characterizations of fonio

8 For the texture, the appreciations varied between 62 and 86%. The best ecotypes were Finiba bakary, Siragué et Finiba Samakou For the taste, the appreciations varied between 64 and 88%. The best ecotypes were Fini de Bomborokuy et Fini de Salif mariko For the color, the appreciations varied between 52 and 92%. The best ecotypes were Fini de Bomborokuy et Fini de Momo Filidabo Sissoko. The varieties with the best organoleptic characteristics were Fini de Bomborokuy, Momo/Filidabo Sissoko, Fini/Solosso et Faniba/Bakary NTH Sidibé Activity 6 : Plate forme multi-acteurs It is indispensable to understand better the socioeconomic system to place better the major challenge to be raised in an environment. The choice of a good point of entrance is necessary to have participation actual and engaged by the various actors of the consequentive channel; ; More the challenge makes unanimity of the actors more their mobilization is easy. Du to the availability of the machine, the activities of the other links of the chain, like on farm and on station trial will be more relevant for farmer.

9 Selection Now What? For the Sahelian zone because of the absence of exploitable results, the various experiments will be reprogrammed. For the Guinean north zone, the accent will be put on the seeing out of the various experiments to take into account the annual-variability. However the range of varieties evaluated in the plots of land of demonstration will increase to take into account the most successful varieties which were identified by the producers and the producers in Sub / station of Farako Agronomy We have seen that the effect of fertilization is not very noticeable with fonio, efforts must be made to understand the reasons. Plat form multiactors The infringement of the objectives of the project is connected to a better management of the machine. The actions will aim at maintaining a frame capable of answering the profitability and the maintenance. The reflections within the platform will take into account the profitability and the durability of the equipment.