Lorine Maretz reveals the keys to accessing resources for agroecological transition in West Africa

Lorine Maretz, a researcher at the University of Toulouse Capitole, has identified social relations and indigenous knowledge as essential levers to facilitate access to the resources necessary for the agroecological transition in West Africa. This thesis, validated in 2025, highlights the importance of these elements in a context of food security threatened by climate change and land degradation.

Lorine Maretz's research is set against a backdrop where agriculture faces major challenges, including food security, poverty, and the preservation of natural resources. In West Africa, where a large part of the population depends on agriculture, the agroecological transition (AET) is seen as a necessary response to mitigate environmental impact and strengthen the resilience of agri-food systems.

By analyzing social dynamics and local knowledge, Maretz has highlighted how these factors facilitate access to resources for the AET. Although precise figures are not available, the study demonstrates that social relations play a decisive role in the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, thus making the transition more accessible to local communities.

The results of this research have strategic implications for decision-makers and investors. By supporting initiatives that value local knowledge, it is possible to strengthen farmers' capacities and meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly food products, while taking into account the risks associated with political instability.

« « Social relations and indigenous knowledge are essential levers to facilitate access to the resources necessary for the agroecological transition, » emphasizes Lorine Maretz. »

« « This research highlights the importance of access to knowledge for decision-makers, in order to support sustainable agricultural practices in West Africa, » states the Lektaris team. »