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This study is based on data collected from 141 family-type farms in the Yatenga province in Burkina Faso. A probit approach is used to analyze the effect of perception of land degradation and other factors on the adoption of zaï and stone rows. The results of the estimation show that the availability of organic matter from small ruminants is determinant for the adoption of both zaï and stone rows. Although most of farmers are aware of the causes and consequences of land degradation, this factor does not significantly impact on farmers’ decision to invest in SWC measures. Opportunities do exist for making more efficient use of local sources of nutrients, such as small ruminants’ organic matter in combination with locally accepted SWC measures. This may increase farmers’ willingness to go beyond SWC measures, to invest in nutrient supply in their soils which are characterized by poor fertility. The study shows that combining training on SWC and the development of small-scale animal breeding could contribute to reach this goal in a degraded area.
