Abstract In order to improve bahareque technique, sisal fibre reinforced soils were stabilised with cement or cactus pulp. Bending, abrasion resistance, water absorption and erosion tests were performed and the results were compared with those obtained on the traditional plasters used in soil technologies. The performance capabilities of sisal fibre reinforced soil stabilised with cement are better than those of cactus pulp stabilised soil. The use of cactus pulp as a stabilising agent to improve the behaviour of the soil, however, is very interesting because this is a natural, ecological material.