TERMITES AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN THE SAHEL - FROM ENEMY TO FRIEND

Increasingly, it is being recognized that termites are an important co mponent of agroecosystems, particularly in developing countries where they are an alternative to high priced inputs. Given the major problem s in the Sahel of soil crusting and nutrient depletion, this paper sho ws that termites associated with proper management techniques can play a vital role. Termites contribute to the rehabilitation of crusted so ils, i.e. by opening up voids on the sealed surface leading to improve d infiltration capacity, and consequently improved water availability. It is recommended, however, that participatory on-farm research shoul d be carried out on how to increase the contribution of termites towar ds soil management and to reduce the harmful effects.