The purpose of this study

I came into contact with the product TerraCottem in 1992, already 15 years ago. I was part owner of DAKTUIN NV (Roof gardens) which used the product TerraCottem for its roof garden projects.

Professor Van Cothem asked us if we did not want to support some tests of his in Burkina Faso , which we did . We did not only support these tests, we went with him on a short mission to see for ourselves the results of TerraCottem in Burkina Faso . (See History of TerraCottem in Burkina Faso)

15 years later, I asked myself: “Why didn't TerraCottem take off commercially, even though all we have seen in Burkina Faso was positive?” The hunger hasn't disappeared, the seasons become dryer. Was this only because of the price? Is the market not ready for it?

When I had to find a decent subject for my thesis at Flanders Business School , the decision was quickly made. For once and for all, I wanted to know: “Is there a market for TerraCottem in Burkina Faso ?” and even more “Is TerraCottem commercially interesting for the poor farmers” and “Can they be reached?”

Stefan Schippers

18 may 2007