Soil moisture and Scale-making in West Africa: Multiplying water retention practices for increased resilience and food security in Benin and Burkina Faso (Acronym: SMSM)

In West Africa, smallholder farmers face increasing challenges due to erratic rainfall and droughts. This project, led by a consortium including the Alliance and IHE, explores how soil moisture retention (SMR) practices can be improved and expanded. The project will explore how SMR knowledge is developed, shared, and scaled out within local communities in Benin and Burkina Faso. It will emphasize collaboration with farmers, recognizing that scaling must be rooted in grassroots efforts. Through joint learning, the project will address environmental and political barriers and create sustainable, community-driven solutions to enhance resilience in rainfed agricultural systems.