The spatial pattern and dynamics of a Sahelian agro-ecosystem

The spatial pattern and dynamics of a Sahelian agro-ecosystem are analyzed. Approaches and methods suitable for land use systems analysis are discussed. The importance of combining various spatial and temporal scales in a multi-disciplinary framework is stressed. An analytical framework focusing on the land use system at the village level is presented. It pays specific attention to the integration of georelated data with those describing the socio-economic decision-making units (households). It is intended as a basic component in a land use analytical model which meets the requirements of being multidisciplinary as well as hierarchical.Selected results from a case study in northern Burkina Faso, are presented. Mainly issues with a spatial dimension, taking advantage of the georelated observations, are dealt with in this context. They reveal, for instance, that field pattern dynamics appear to be much more complex than generally believed and that the commonly held notion that fields are expanding cannot be confirmed by this case. The land use dynamics constitute a complex pattern, determined by household specific parameters as well as by the natural resource base. Furthermore, the experience from the application of a differential GPS for detailed land use studies in the Sahel is presented and discussed.