Challenges of animal traction research and development in West and Central Africa at the eve of the 21st century

On the eve of the 2 1 st century the continuous development of animal traction in West and Central Africa shows that the technology meets the needs of most of the farmers. Cultivated areas are generally between 2 and 12 ha. Such development was initially achieved j ointly with the statesupported extension of the groundnut and cotton subsectors. In spite of the state disengagement in the development of the rural sector, animal traction has gone on progressing for the last years. The changes involved in the institutional and economic context has resulted in an increased number of development operators and higher responsibility for farmers and farmer's organizations. But outside the public area, the viability of support services to agriculture (financing systems, veterinary follow-up, extension services) remains a question without answer. The major concerns for farmers is how to buy draught animal and improve animal traction use, as animal teams are a power source for agricultural works and transport, an income source service contracts), and produce manure. Research and development challenges have changed as regards animal traction. Previously the objective of development structures was to introduce the technique in the farming systems. They provided farmers with the services and means they needed (credit, extension, training). In response to their demand, research programmes aimed at developing equipment and technical standards. Now the research needs must transit by many operators that lack information and references to construct themt. In fact, they are diffuse, difficult to evaluate and define. The biotechnological and system-based approaches used to understand them must be completed with socioeconomic sciences and research works must be conducted at différent scales (farms, uphill and downhill environment, socioeconomic context). The present research and development trends in animal traction are as follows: adaptation, diversification and improvement of its use, and improved methods of acquisition and management. (Résumé d'auteur)