Identification of socio-economic characteristics and farmers’ practices affecting rice (Oryza spp.) yields in Benin (West Africa)

Rice (Oryza spp.) is one of the major staple foods in Benin. Benin has increased rice production through the expansion of cultivation area rather than increasing rice yields. To better understand the factors affecting rice yields, a thorough understanding of the current rice production system characteristics and constraints is required. The present study identifies socio-economic characteristics and farmers’ practices affecting rice yields and suggests improved cultivation practices in the sector. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, including socio-economic characteristics and rice cultivation practices from 230 randomly selected rice producers in North and Central Benin. Descriptive statistics and cluster analysis were used to group rice producers into different groups. Findings revealed that the proportion of rice producers having access to credit was low (33.5 %). Out of seventeen variables, only three (lowland rice cultivation, irrigated rice cultivation and total land cultivated area) discriminated best the rice producers in three (03) clusters with distinct characteristics in terms of socio-economics factors and cropping practices affecting rice yields. Most respondents (more than 70 %) did not practice crop rotation or fallow. This, together with low levels of chemical fertiliser applications and type of rice cultivation, explains poor rice production in particular in clusters 1 and 2. Yield enhancement is possible through the combination of lowland and irrigated cultivation performed by farmers in cluster 3 with the highest mean rice yield (3.8 t.ha-1). We suggest tackling the specific characteristics and needs of rice producers would more adequately help to improve rice yields. Interventions to enhance rice yields include training on best rice production practices, provision of input subsidies and access to irrigation tailored to the specific constraints and needs of each rice grower type. Finally, enabling access to credit will improve productivity of rice farmers in Benin

Traditional knowledge and cultural importance of Borassus aethiopum Mart. in Benin: interacting effects of socio-demographic attributes and multi-scale abundance

ResearchBackground: Eliciting factors affecting distribution of traditional knowledge (TK) and cultural importance of plant resources is central in ethnobiology. Socio-demographic attributes and ecological apparency hypothesis (EAH) have been widely documented as drivers of TK distribution, but their synergistic effect is poorly documented. Here, we focused on Borassus aethiopum, a socio-economic important agroforestry palm in Africa, analyzing relationships between the number of use-reports and cultural importance on one hand, and informant socio-demographic attributes (age category and gender) on the other hand, considering the EAH at multi-scale contexts. Our hypothesis is that effects of socio-demographic attributes on use-reports and cultural importance are shaped by both local (village level) and regional (chorological region level) apparency of study species. We expected so because distribution of knowledge on a resource in a community correlates to the versatility in the resource utilization but also connections among communities within a region. Methods: Nine hundred ninety-two face-to-face individual semi-structured interviews were conducted in six villages of low versus high local abundance of B. aethiopum spanning three chorological regions (humid, sub-humid and semiarid) also underlying a gradient of increasing distribution and abundance of B. aethiopum. Number of use-reports and score of importance of uses of B. aethiopum were recorded in six use-categories including medicine, food, handcraft, construction, firewood, and ceremonies and rituals. Data were analyzed using Poisson and ordered logistic modelsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Variabilité morphologiques et conservation des morphotypes de <i>Jatropha curcas</i> Linn. (Euphoriaceae) au Benin.

This study is a contribution to Jatropha curcas cultivation and seeks to analyze the morphological variability and identification of morphotypes of Jatropha curcas. The study was conducted in 44 communities equitably distributed among 22 towns (populations) and geographically widespread in the 10 phytodistricts of Benin. Per population, at least 30 individuals of the species spaced at least 20 meters apart were randomly selected for the collection of morphological data. In total, 840 individuals, 714 leaves, 2294 fruits and 3465 seeds of Jatropha curcas were measured in all the country. The part of the variability of Jatropha curcas morphological traits due to individual, populations, phytodistricts, climatic zones were determined using the variance component analysis. The stepwise discriminant analysis was performed on Jatropha curcas populations to identify the morphological traits which discriminate them and the numeric classification was realized to regroup Jatropha curcas populations. The results show that variability of Jatropha curcas morphological traits is generally larger at individual level or between individuals of the same population than between populations, phytodistricts and climatic zones except fruits and seeds weight whose variability is larger between populations. Ten of twenty-one morphological traits studied were identified as the most discriminant variables of Jatropha curcas. Four morphological groups of Jatropha curcas were distinguished in Benin considering 10 discriminant variables. Keywords: morphological traits, variability, Jatropha curcas, Benin

Sesbania rostrata (Bremek and Oberm.) as biological nitrogen fixator for sustainable lowland rice production

Nitrogen plays a crucial role in rice cultivation. It is usually supplied as chemical fertilizer (urea). However, rice monocropping without fallow and loss of urea-N through leaching, often lead to soil fertility decrease, decline in soil organic matter and environmental pollution, which negatively affect rice yield. Climate change is expected to worsen this situation. All this may affect food security especially against the backdrop of increasing population levels, particularly in Sub-Sahara Africa. New and alternative N resources should be explored to sustainably supply rice crop needs and thus reduce the adverse environmental effects of current urea-N use in rice. Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) by legumes is a promising and environment-friendly mechanism that can be used to convert atmospheric di-nitrogen into fertilizers for agriculture. As such, BNF could increase the sustainability of traditional rice production systems. In this respect, Sesbania rostrata, which is native to Africa and frequently used as a green manure in lowland rice production systems, is one of the best N-fixating plant species because its N-fixing bacteria nodulate on both stem and roots, whereas the plant itself grows fast, has high N-fixation rates and tolerates waterlogged soils. The plant, when plowed under at 34-42 days after sowing, can add 90 to 150 kg N ha−1 and 7.4 t ha−1 of biomass to the soil. It has been found that S. rostrata, supplied as a green manure, can double rice yields after one rice cultivation cycle. Findings further reveal a 35% residual effect on yield of the same green manure application on grain yield in a second rice cultivation cycle. It is probably the cheapest alternative N source to smallholder farmers

Détermination des dates favorables aux semailles du riz pluvial au Bénin par simulation mathématique des probabilités de survenue des séquences sèches

Declining rainfall and erratic rains are major concerns for rainfed rice producers. The objective of this study was to analyze the variability of the beginnings and ends of the rains in order to determine the favorable dates for sowing rainfed rice in Central and Northern Benin. To do this, daily rainfall data over the period 1970 to 2016 from three rainfall stations located in Malanville, Tanguiéta and Savè were transmitted to the Benin Meteorological Agency. Descriptive statistics and frequent analyzes were used to analyze the variability of the beginnings and ends of the rains. The probabilities of occurrence of dry sequences were calculated using the Markov chain of order 1. Dry sequences > 5, 7 and 10 days were used in the vegetative and reproductive phases by simulating rainfed rice sowing carried out every seven (7) days. It appears that the variability (15 to 29%) of the onset of rains is greater than that (2 to 5%) of the end dates. In Tanguiéta, the favorable dates for sowing rainfed rice range from May 9 to July 3, while no date was favorable for sowing rainfed rice in Glazoué and Malanville. In these last two localities, the dry sequences (> 5 days), detrimental to flowering and compromising the productivity of upland rice, presented very high probabilities (0.7 to 1). The results strengthen the resilience of rice farmers in choosing favorable dates for sowing rainfed rice and prove that they run less risk by opting for varieties with a short cycle < 100 days.La baisse de la pluviométrie et l’irrégularité des pluies constituent des préoccupations majeures pour les producteurs de riz pluvial. Cette étude avait pour objectif d’analyser la variabilité des débuts et fins des pluies afin de déterminer les dates favorables aux semailles de riz pluvial au Centre et au Nord-Bénin. Pour ce faire, les données pluviométriques journalières au cours de la période 1970 à 2016 de trois stations pluviométriques situées à Malanville, Tanguiéta et Savè ont été collectées à l’Agence Météorologique du Bénin. La statistique descriptive et des analyses fréquentielles ont été utilisées pour analyser la variabilité des débuts et fins des pluies. Les probabilités de survenue des séquences sèches ont été calculées en utilisant la chaîne de Markov d’ordre 1. Les séquences sèches > 5, 7 et 10 jours ont été utilisées en phases végétative et reproductive en simulant des semis de riz pluvial réalisés tous les sept (7) jours. Il apparaît que la variabilité (15 à 29%) des débuts de pluies est plus forte que celle (2 à 5%) des dates de fin. A Tanguiéta, les dates favorables aux semailles du riz pluvial vont du 9 mai au 3 juillet alors qu’aucune date n’a été favorable aux semailles du riz pluvial à Glazoué et Malanville. Dans ces deux dernières localités, les séquences sèches (> 5 jours), préjudiciables à la floraison et compromettant la productivité du riz pluvial, ont présenté des probabilités très élevées (0,7 à 1). Les résultats renforcent la résilience des riziculteurs dans le choix des dates favorables aux semis du riz pluvial et suggèrent que ces derniers courrent moins de risques en optant pour les variétés à cycle court < 100 jours

Risques agro-météorologiques et production du riz pluvial (Oryza spp.) au Bénin (Afrique de l’Ouest)

L’irrégularité et la baisse des pluies constituent des préoccupations majeures pour les producteurs de riz pluvial. Cette étude avait pour objectif de mettre en évidence les variabilités et tendances des débuts et fins des pluies et de la pluviométrie totale puis de déterminer les dates favorables aux semis du riz pluvial. Les données de pluviométries journalières (1970-2016) des stations météorologiques (Malanville, Tanguiéta et Savè) ont été collectées à l’Agence Météorologique du Bénin. Les statistiques descriptives ont permis de comparer les variabilités pluviométriques. Les tendances ont été évaluées par le test de Mann-Kendall et la pente de Sen. Les probabilités d’apparition des séquences sèches ont été calculées en utilisant la chaîne de Markov d’ordre 1. Il ressort une variabilité importante des débuts des pluies avec une tendance tardive (4%) et précoce (17%), contrairement à leurs fins. Les séquences sèches (> 5 jours) avec des probabilités très élevées (entre 0,7 et 1) ont été observées pendant la phase de floraison du riz pluvial. Ces résultats renforcent les riziculteurs dans la production des variétés à cycle court ≤ 100 jours et permettent de les orienter dans le choix des dates et variétés adaptées de riz pluvial.Irregular and reduced rainfall are major concerns for rainfed rice producers. The objective of this study was to analyze the yearly variability and trends of the onset and the end of rains as well as of total rainfall over a period of 46 years in Glazoue, Malanville and Tanguiéta (Benin) in order to better determine the appropriate dates for rainfed rice sowing. For this purpose, daily rainfall data (1970-2016) were collected from three weather stations located in these localities from the Benin National Weather Agency. Descriptive statistics were used to compare rainfall variability. Trends were assessed by Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s Slope. The probabilities of occurrence of a dry period were calculated using the Markov chain of order 1. Unlike the end of the rains, where little variability was observed, a significant variability in the onset of rains with late (4%) and early (17%) trends was found. Depending on the rice variety, the period from 9 May to 3 July is appropriate for rainfed rice sowing in Tanguiéta. In the case of, Glazoue and Malanville, no appropriate date for rainfed rice sowing was observed, due to the very high probabilities (0.7 to 1) of dry period (> 5 days) at flowering stage, which compromising its productivity. These results should encourage rice producers to grow varieties with short < 100 days maturing dates and can guide them in the choice of suitable planting dates and suitable varieties of rainfed rice

Identification of socio-economic characteristics and farmers’ practices affecting rice (Oryza spp.) yields in Benin (West Africa)

Rice (Oryza spp.) is one of the major staple foods in Benin. Benin has increased rice production through the expansion of cultivation area rather than increasing rice yields. To better understand the factors affecting rice yields, a thorough understanding of the current rice production system characteristics and constraints is required. The present study identifies socio-economic characteristics and farmers’ practices affecting rice yields and suggests improved cultivation practices in the sector. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, including socio-economic characteristics and rice cultivation practices from 230 randomly selected rice producers in North and Central Benin. Descriptive statistics and cluster analysis were used to group rice producers into different groups. Findings revealed that the proportion of rice producers having access to credit was low (33.5 %). Out of seventeen variables, only three (lowland rice cultivation, irrigated rice cultivation and total land cultivated area) discriminated best the rice producers in three (03) clusters with distinct characteristics in terms of socio-economics factors and cropping practices affecting rice yields. Most respondents (more than 70 %) did not practice crop rotation or fallow. This, together with low levels of chemical fertiliser applications and type of rice cultivation, explains poor rice production in particular in clusters 1 and 2. Yield enhancement is possible through the combination of lowland and irrigated cultivation performed by farmers in cluster 3 with the highest mean rice yield (3.8 t ha-1). We suggest tackling the specific characteristics and needs of rice producers would more adequately help to improve rice yields. Interventions to enhance rice yields include training on best rice production practices, provision of input subsidies and access to irrigation tailored to the specific constraints and needs of each rice grower type. Finally, enabling access to credit will improve productivity of rice farmers in Benin

Midterm change in rainfall distribution in north and central Benin : implications for agricultural decision making

A better understanding of rainfall variability and trends is vital for agricultural production systems which are largely dependent on climate. This study aims to analyze and to quantify the significance of change on annual, seasonal and daily rainfall in North and Central Benin, and to infer future challenges for crop production. Daily rainfall data for the 1970-2016 period measured at three weather stations (Save, Malanville and Tanguieta) were obtained from the Benin National Weather Agency. Descriptive statistics, standardized anomaly of rainfall (SAR) and rainfall intensity were used to analyze rainfall variability. For rainfall trends analysis, we tested for auto-correlation and used the Mann-Kendall and modified Mann-Kendall tests for non-auto-correlated and auto-correlated data, respectively. Trend magnitude was estimated using Sen's slope. Globally, a moderate-to-high seasonal rainfall and low variability of yearly rainfall were observed. The SAR indicated more than 50% of the years in the studies period experienced dry years. Between 1970 and 2016, a significant 20% increase was observed in the yearly rainfall in Tanguieta, whereas no significant trends were observed in Malanville (10% increase) and Save (0.6% decrease). The general rainfall increase observed during the post-monsoon season (October-November) in the three weather stations potentially increases flood frequencies during the harvest period of some crops, which can reduce crop yields. Adaptation strategies are needed which can mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture. These findings are essential to the climate risk management in agriculture and to target appropriate adaptive measures for resilience building in the sector

Perceptions et facteurs déterminant l’utilisation des asticots dans l'alimentation des poulets locaux (Gallus gallus) au Bénin

Objectifs: Les asticots sont une source importante de protéines animales faiblement valorisés dans l'alimentation des poulets locaux. L'étude vise à analyser les perceptions des aviculteurs traditionnels et les facteurs déterminant l'utilisation des asticots dans l'alimentation des poulets locaux (Gallus gallus) au Bénin.Méthodologie et Résultats: 960 aviculteurs traditionnels ont été enquêtés de façon aléatoire dans 48 villages. Les principales données collectées sont les caractéristiques sociolinguistiques du cheptel et le choix d'utilisation des asticots. Les facteurs déterminant l’utilisation d’asticots ont été analysés au moyen d’une analyse canonique discriminante. Un modèle linéaire généralisé à effets mixtes a été utilisé pour analyser les facteurs déterminant le souhait d’adoption des asticots. Trois groupes d’aviculteurs traditionnels ont été distingués et leurs caractéristiques ont été étudiées. La localisation géographique et le sexe de l'aviculteur sont les facteurs qui déterminent l’utilisation des asticots.Conclusion et Application des Résultats: Les aviculteurs souhaitant utiliser les asticots constituent le Groupe 2 avec 81,68 % des enquêtés, ceux utilisant déjà les asticots forment le Groupe 1 avec 5,73 % des enquêtés et le Groupe 3 est constitué des aviculteurs réfractaires à l'utilisation des asticots avec 12,59 % des enquêtés. Les aviculteurs du Groupe 1 se différencient de ceux des Groupes 2 et 3 par la taille du cheptel et le revenu annuel, ceux du Groupe 2 se différencient de ceux du Groupe 3 par le sexe, le groupe socioculturel et l’ancienneté dans l'élevage. Ainsi, les aviculteurs traditionnels au Bénin ont une bonne connaissance des asticots et consentent majoritairement à l'utiliser dans l’alimentation des poulets locaux. Cette acceptation doit être accompagnée par l’organisation de séances de sensibilisation à grande échelle et des actions d'accompagnement à la production des asticots afin de faciliter l'adoption des asticots dans les pratiques alimentaires d’aviculture au Bénin.Mots clés: Mouche, alimentation, perception, aviculteurs traditionnels, BéninEnglish Title:  Local perceptions and factors affecting fly larvae adoption for traditional poultry (Gallus gallus) feeding in BeninEnglish AbstractObjectives: The maggots are an important but underused source of animal protein in the diet of local chickens. This study aims to analyze the perceptions of traditional poultry farmers and the factors determining the use of maggots in the diet of local chickens (Gallus gallus) in Benin.Methodology and Results: 960 traditional poultry farmers were randomly surveyed in 48 villages. The main data collected were sociolinguistic characteristics, information on livestock and the choice of using maggots. Factors determining the use of maggots were analyzed by canonical discriminant analysis. A generalized linear mixedeffects model was used to analyze factors determining the desire of adopting maggots. Three groups of traditional poultry farmers were distinguished and their characteristics were studied. The geographical location and the sex of the poultry farmer are the factors that determine the desire of using of maggots.Conclusion and Application of Results: Group 2 are the poultry farmers wishing to use maggots (Group 2) with 81.68% of the respondents, those of Group 1 are already using maggots with 5.73% of respondents, and finally the Group 3 consists of traditional poultry farmers who are against the use of maggots, with 12.59% of respondents. Poultry farmers in Group 1 differ from those of Groups 2 and 3 by their herd size and annual income, those in Group 2 differ from those of Group 3 by gender, socio-cultural group and seniority in the breeding. The traditional poultry farmers have a perfect knowledge of maggots and the majority agrees to the use them in the diet of local poultry. This acceptance must be accompanied by the organization of large-scale awareness sessions and accompanying actions for the production of maggots to facilitate the adoption of maggots in the food practices of poultry farming in Benin.Keywords: Fly, feeding, perception, traditional poultry farmers, Beni