The objectives of this study were to review the potential of the local material-based innovation–ie the seedball technology, at enhancing pearl millet seedlings establishment under Sahelian conditions, identify its potential constraints as well as applicability, chemically and mechanically optimize the seedball, and validate its performance under Sahelian field conditions. Seedball is a local seed pelleting techniques that aims at improving seedlings performance and to stabilize yield.

First, the potential local materials such as sand, loam, wood ash, gum arabic, termite soil, charcoal as well as animal dung as the seedball components were identified and reviewed. These materials were selected based on their affordability to the local farmers. Potential constraints to seedball applicability as well as adoption in the Sahel were evaluated, and options for adaptation were discussed with the farmers. Afterwards, mechanical and chemical optimization of the seedball technology in several greenhouse experiments were conducted, followed by a germination test of the optimized seedball in the Sahelian field. Lastly, the mechanism of pearl millet seedlings root and shoot enhancement was investigated using micro-suction cup and computer tomography.