Jointly conducted by UP11 and INRA, this research explores the gene flows of millet in the Lake Chad Basin.
Abdel Kader Naino Jika, researcher at ESE; IJPB; GQE-Le Moulon (Université Paris-Sud - Paris 11).
Thesis defended in 2016 at the doctoral school École doctorale Sciences du végétal : du gène à l'écosystème (Orsay, Essonne ; 2015-....).
This research is the result of an international co-supervision between several partner institutions.
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
The resilience of sub-Saharan agriculture in the face of environmental and socio-economic challenges is a growing concern, especially in a context where climate change and demographic pressures exacerbate the vulnerabilities of agricultural systems. In this framework, the study of gene flows and the evolution of genetic resources of millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in the Lake Chad Basin, conducted by Abdel Kader Naino Jika, highlights complex dynamics that deserve particular attention. Indeed, it is observed that the genetic diversity of crops is closely linked to the socio-cultural diversity of farmers, raising crucial questions about how cultural practices influence the circulation of seeds and, consequently, the resilience of agricultural systems.
The research reveals fascinating results, notably the existence of a social barrier to the diffusion of genes. Although genetic introgressions occur between populations of different ethnolinguistic groups, these barriers can limit the exchange of varieties and knowledge. For example, in certain communities, seed conservation practices are deeply rooted in cultural traditions, which may restrict the willingness to adopt new varieties, even if they could offer advantages in terms of yield or disease resistance. This raises questions about how agricultural policies can be adapted to promote greater integration of local knowledge while preserving genetic diversity.
The analysis of gene flows between early and late types in low rainfall regions suggests that environmental conditions play a key role in crop adaptation. Farmers must navigate between climatic challenges, such as rainfall variability, and the requirements for varietal diversity to maintain their production. For example, in certain areas of Benin, farmers have developed millet varieties adapted to drought conditions, but these varieties are not always exchanged between communities due to mistrust or lack of knowledge of the practices of other groups.
The quantification of the biochemical diversity of millet grains, through proteomic and metabolomic approaches, offers interesting perspectives on the interactions between genotype and environment. These analyses allow for a better understanding of how certain varieties may be more resilient to environmental stresses. For example, studies have shown that some millet varieties possess metabolic profiles that favor better water use, which is crucial in regions where water is a limited resource.
In summary, this research highlights the importance of genetic diversity and local knowledge in building resilient agricultural systems. Policymakers must take these dynamics into account to develop policies that support both biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices. This could include initiatives aimed at strengthening seed exchange networks, promoting training on sustainable cultivation techniques, and encouraging collaboration between different agricultural communities.
It is essential to recognize that genetic diversity is not limited to millet varieties but also extends to agricultural practices, traditional knowledge, and social interactions that shape production systems. By integrating these elements into agricultural development strategies, it is possible to create more robust and adaptable systems capable of facing future uncertainties. Thus, research on gene flows and the evolution of genetic resources of millet in the Lake Chad Basin serves as a valuable model for other regions of West Africa, where socio-cultural diversity plays an equally decisive role in the resilience of agriculture in the face of contemporary challenges.
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Abdel Kader Naino Jika. Flux de gènes et évolution des ressources génétiques du mil (Pennisetum glaucum) dans le Bassin du Lac Tchad : rôle de la diversité socio-culturelle. Génétique des populations [q-bio.PE]. Université Paris Saclay (COmUE); Université Abdou Moumouni, 2016. Français. ⟨NNT : 2016SACLS180⟩. ⟨tel-01654418⟩