Background:
Land degradation represents a major environmental and development challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, where agricultural systems remain highly dependent on natural soil fertility and rain-fed production. Soil erosion and declining land quality reduce ecosystem services and threaten food security, rural livelihoods, and economic stability. Burkina Faso is particularly affected due to high exposure to climatic variability and intensive land use pressure.

Objectives:
This study aims to assess the impact of land degradation on agricultural productivity in Burkina Faso and to evaluate its economy-wide consequences using an integrated biophysical and computable general equilibrium modelling framework.

Methods:
The study combines the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model with a recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. The RUSLE model is used to estimate spatial soil erosion and derive land productivity loss coefficients across agricultural regions. These coefficients are then introduced as exogenous productivity shocks into the CGE model calibrated on the 2016 Social Accounting Matrix of Burkina Faso. The CGE framework captures interactions among production sectors, households, government, and external trade. It allows assessment of direct and indirect effects of land degradation on agricultural production, income distribution, and macroeconomic performance under different scenarios.

Results:
The RUSLE results indicate that approximately 28% of agricultural land in Burkina Faso is affected by degradation, corresponding to an estimated economic loss of 321.34 billion CFA francs. Crop-specific results show that staple crops such as maize, millet, sorghum, and groundnuts are the most affected. CGE simulations demonstrate that land productivity losses lead to significant declines in agricultural output, reduced household income, and contraction in macroeconomic indicators. Under the baseline scenario, GDP declines by approximately 27%, while pessimistic conditions lead to even larger reductions. Rural households are disproportionately affected due to their dependence on agriculture. Results also show strong heterogeneity across crop types and regions, reflecting spatial variation in land degradation intensity.

Conclusion:
Land degradation significantly constrains agricultural productivity and economic performance in Burkina Faso. Integrated biophysical and CGE modelling highlights the importance of sustainable land management policies to mitigate soil erosion impacts and improve agricultural resilience, food security, and rural welfare.