The entry point for inputs is the introduction of microfertilisation. This method is economically feasible with over 50% yields’ increase compared to farmers’ practices. However, the use of this method remains modest in the Sahel. Several factors, such as the difficult access to fertilizers and risks related to production, explain this situation. Access to fertilizers is rather a political and organizational matter while production related risks can be reduced by manipulating the factors potentially influencing such risks. The first risk in the is rainfall variability. One way to diminish risks related to the use of fertilizers for the production of millet, sorghum, and cowpea is to add 0.3g of fertilizer (mixture of fertilizer and seed in a 1:1 proportion) per pocket. If the farmer has sufficient means, he may add 2g of DAP or 6g of NPK at the time of the first weeding if the water conditions of the soil are adequate. In the case of drought, the farmer can either postpone the second fertilizer application until the conditions become favourable or cancel it in case of prolonged drought. Weather forecast can also help farmers make adequate decisions. Microdose combined with soaking further lessens the risk.

It has also been demonstrated that mulching can improve the water condition of the soil by lowering the surface temperature and diminishing runoff. That is why it is preferable to combine microdosing and mulching in order to reduce the climatic risks. Millet straw or leaves from trees such as Acacia tumida can be used for mulching.

Mineral fertilizer is best used on a non degraded soils compared to a degraded soil as the risk of failure with the microdose is higher on the degraded soil, particularly where the runoff is significant. On a soil with physical degradation (soils with a surface crust), it is not recommended to apply the 2g dose of DAP or 6g dose of NPK per pocket. The risk will be reduced if these quantities are combined with methods such as the stone bunds and the zaï. Establishing windbreaks with Acacia tumida may also reduce the water stress of plants. 

Plant establishment in the Sahel is often difficult because of insect attacks and fungus. Investment in microdose and other inputs might be useless if the plant growth is reduced due to these attacks. Treatment of millet seeds with Apron Plus might significantly reduce mildew attacks and attacks by other fungi which affect the growth of young plants and it is recommended to treat seeds if mildew attacks are a serious recurring problem every year. 

Cowpea is mostly vulnerable to attacks by insects such as the thrips at blooming. The pod borer is a problem at the time of pod formation. Two sprayings, one at the time of blooming and another at the time of pod formation, may contribute to reduce this risk. 

Technologies such as priming, microdose, mulching, zaï, combined with the possible use of phyto-sanitary products are necessary for reducing risks.  

Preliminary results of comparative studies of agriculture development by ICRISAT in several villages over a period of 20 years in Niger and Burkina Faso show that it is more difficult to intensify agriculture in regions where rainfall is about 400 mm as compared to areas where rainfall is about 600mm. The study by Mortimore and Turner in 2005 confirms this same observation. Livestock is the most important economic activity where rainfall is about 400 mm, whereas in areas with 600 mm agriculture is the dominant economic activity. The conclusion that can be drawn from these observations is that the emphasis should be given to an agriculture that can support livestock production in areas with 400 mm rainfall. The production of millet and cowpea for fodder production may become an important economic activity in these regions.

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