Vulnérabilité des aires protégées du Bénin à l’invasion de Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae) en rapport avec les changements climatiques

Fighting against invasive species is a great challenge that requires knowledge about their potential distribution areas. Ageratum conyzoides is an invasive species in several African countries including Benin. In order to analyze the vulnerability of protected areas of Benin to the invasion of this species, and to guide managers of these areas to fight against invasions, this study used MaxEnt to model the ecological niche of the species under the current and future climates, horizon 2055 RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. Environmental data and presence data were gathered respectively from the data bases of AfriClim and GBIF. From the current to the future climates, the potentially suitable areas for the distribution of the species shift from the center to the south of Benin. So, about 75%, 51% and 65% of Benin’s total area are respectively suitable under present climate, and future’s ones (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Only about 16% and 43% of this area are absolutely unsuitable and absolutely suitable to the species. As for protected areas, about 29% and 25% of their total area are respectively not vulnerable, and vulnerable to Ageratum conyzoides. Present climate, and future’s ones (RCP4.5, and RCP8.5) held respectively about 62%, 28%, and 48% of protected areas total superficies vulnerable to Ageratum conyzoides

Facteurs déterminants de la volonté des petits pêcheurs d'adopter la cogestion des droits de propriété dans le complexe lagunaire du lac Nokoué et de Porto-Novo au sud-est du Bénin.

peer reviewedThe estuarian and lagoon areas of southeast Benin are atypical lake territories where private property rights are hereditary from endogenous legal tradition. People live in stilt dwellings and are exclusively dedicated to free-to-access fishing. Consequently, an increasing number of fishers with low respect for the State’s general rules for sustainable fishing contribute to legal pluralism and the tragedy of the commons. Co-management of small-scale fisheries has been advocated to offer various benefits, including improved socio-ecological integration, shared sustainable livelihoods, and adherence to biodiversity objectives. This study aims to assess the factors that influence the willingness of small-scale fishers to adopt property rights co-management options in southeast Benin. The data were collected using the discrete choice experiment method. The results show that 44% of fishers are willing to adopt property rights co-management options. This willingness is determined by their involvement in the co-management committee, access to a subsidy and livelihood diversification options. These fishers are the oldest in the sample and primarily owners of Acadja, a traditional fishing tool made of bush and tree branches planted in the lake. Institutional agreements for co-management establishment, such as subsidies to support small-scale fishers’ livelihood diversification and capacity-building, must be set up to achieve co-management goals.14. Life below wate

Facteurs déterminants de la volonté des pêcheurs artisanaux d'adopter la cogestion des droits de propriété dans le complexe lac Nokoué et lagune de Porto-Novo au Bénin : Approche par une expérience de choix discret

The estuarian and lagoon areas of southern Benin are an atypical lake territory where private property rights are inherited from endogenous law. In this area, people live in stilt dwellings and exclusively for free-to-access fishing. Consequently, an increasing number of fishers with low respect for the State’ general rules for fishing sustainability contribute to the tragedy of commons. Co-management of small-scale fisheries has been advocated to offer various benefits, including improved socio-ecological integration, shared sustainable livelihoods and adherence to biodiversity objectives. This study aims to assess the factors that influence the willingness of small-scale fishers to adopt property rights co-management options in southern Benin. We interviewed a random sample of 277 small-scale fishers. The data collected using the Discrete Choice Experiment were analysed using mixed and latent class logit models. The results show that only 44% of fishers are willing to adopt property rights co-management options. This willingness to adopt is determined by their involvement in the co-management committee, access to a subsidy and livelihood diversification options. However, they would prefer to keep the area of water granted as small as possible, even if they are motivated to contribute to more open space on the water bodies. These fishers are primarily owners of Acadja, members of fishers’ associations, and are the oldest in the sample. Institutional agreements for co-management establishment, subsidies to support small-scale fishers’ livelihood diversification and capacity-building must be set up to reduce their fishing time and ensure fishery viability.6. Clean water and sanitatio

Microfinance services for smallholder farmers: An assessment from rice farmers' expectations in Central Benin

This study analyzed the adequacy between credit supply and the expectations of rice farmers in Central Benin to define policies for improved agricultural-oriented financial services. A survey was conducted in October 2016 among 120 rice farmers randomly selected from six rice-farming villages. Data collected through structured and semi-structured interviews included the financial services offered by Microfinance Institutions, socio-demographic characteristics of rice farmers, their expectations and perception. Multivariate analysis combining hierarchical ascending cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to define the distinct groups of rice farmers according to their credit expectations. The unmet expectations of rice farmers for a credit scheme that suits their needs were identified based on the gaps between their expectations and perception. There were three rice farmers' clusters with distinct characteristics based on their expectations. These farmers were not satisfied with all the attributes of the current credit scheme. Pending the effectiveness of the agricultural bank, the approaches such as the inventory credit system are useful in facilitating credit access to smallholder farmers. It is also essential to combine credit supply with financial education and technical support in a system such as contract farming