Étude ethno-botanique et conservation de Beilschmiedia mannii (Meisn.) Benth. et Hook. f. au Sud-Est du Bénin

In order to identify the different uses and study the socio-economic importance of Beilschmiedia mannii (spicy cedar), an ethnobotanical survey was carried out in the municipality of Avrankou in Benin. Thus, one hundred and fourteen people were randomly chosen and divided into 5 ethnic groups (Tori, Gun, Yoruba, Fon and Adjarra) of which 56% are women and 44% are men, according to 3 age groups, namely 15% of young people, 56% of adults and 29 % of old and most are Toris (55%) and Guns (32%). This study showed 5 categories of use for the species namely: food, medicine, commerce, energy and magico-religious use. Food is the most important use for the respondents and fruits and seeds are the most used organs with a total use value of 6.97. Women use it mainly for food and commercial purposes. Men use it most often in medicine, but they are also aware of other forms of use. However, the specie is threatened with extinction in the area and in-depth studies on the species could allow its domestication and promote it development. Keywords: Beilschmiedia mannii, spicy cedar, ethnobotanical survey, Avrankou, food, Benin, commercialDans l’objectif de recenser les différents usages et d’étudier l’importance socio-économique du Beilschmiedia mannii (cèdre épicée), une enquête ethno-botanique a été réalisée dans la commune d’Avrankou au Bénin. Ainsi cent quatorze personnes ont été aléatoirement choisies et réparties en 5 groupes ethniques (Tori, Gun, Yoruba, Fon et Adjarra) dont 56% de femmes et 44% d’hommes suivant 3 classes d’âge à savoir 15% de jeunes, 56% d’adultes et 29% de vieux et la plupart sont les Toris (55%) et les Guns (32%). Cette étude a montré 5 catégories d’usage pour l’espèce à savoir: l’alimentation, la médecine, le commerce, l’énergie et l’usage magico-religieux. L’alimentation est l’usage à haute importance pour les enquêtés et les fruits et graines sont les organes les plus utilisés avec une valeur d’usage totale (VUT) égale à 6,97. Les femmes l’utilisent essentiellement à des fins alimentaires et commerciales. Les hommes l’utilisent le plus souvent en médecine mais ils ont aussi connaissance des autres formes d’usage. Toutefois, l’espèce est menacée d’extinction dans la zone et des études approfondies sur cette dernière pourraient permettre sa domestication et promouvoir sa valorisation. Mots clés: Beilschmiedia mannii, cèdre épicé, enquête ethno-botanique, conservation, Avrankou, Béni

Socioeconomic determinants of organic cotton adoption in Benin, West Africa

Organic cotton relies on ecological processes and the use of natural resources to sustain the production system, unlike conventional cotton, mainly characterized by massive utilization of synthesis chemicals. In West Africa, where rural livelihoods are particularly vulnerable, organic cotton is expected to contribute not only to poverty reduction but also to strengthen households’ resilience. The objective of this study was to assess institutional and socioeconomic factors determining farmers’ decisions to adopt organic cotton. For this purpose, we applied a probit model on empirical data collected from producers of the Centre and the Northern parts of Benin. Overall, we found that organic cotton adoption is mainly determined by farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics, the physical distance between farm and house, and contact with extension and advisory services. Organic farming is more attractive to women compared to conventional farming. This because such type of cotton farming enables women to hold a separate cotton farm and thus increase their economic independence, whereas with the conventional system they depend mainly on the farm of the (male) head of the household. Older, less educated and low-income farmers who express environmental concern are more likely to adopt organic cotton. Subsequently, organic cotton should be considered as a prospective policy option to reach the poor and strengthen their livelihoods conditions while contributing to preserve the environment and natural resources. Furthermore, farmers who have their farm near home are more likely to adopt organic farming than those who have the farm far from their home. It also came out that organic farmers have more contacts with advisory and extension services. Finally, the study noted that there is still a need to enhance the extension system by: (1) exploring, designing, and upgrading innovative pedagogic tools such as videos and mobile phone technology to foster learning; and (2) strengthening organic farmer’s organizations and the linkage with agricultural research organizations for technology development