A Multifunctional Perspective to Explain the Survival of Neglected Plants: The Case of the Sweet Potato in Benin

Abstract

Neglected crops have great potential to improve agricultural diversity and contribute to food security. In Benin, sweet potato is one of these crops that is still not widely adopted. Although the benefits of sweet potato are widely known, it is only grown on small areas in Benin. This study aims to analyze the rationale behind farmers' decisions to allocate land for sweet potato production. 320 farmers were interviewed in Gogounou and Boukoumbé in North Benin. Data were analyzed using chi² tests and a structural equation model. Quotations were used to illustrate the findings. Farmers' individual characteristics, perceptions of the crop, its production and the benefits they expect from it, have a significant influence on the decision to allocate land to sweet potato cultivation. Thus, farmers grow sweet potato because it fulfils a food and/or commercial function. However, due to the neglect of agricultural policies, the sector is plagued by challenges that their low level of knowledge does not allow them to meet. To deal with the uncertainties, farmers are implementing risk mitigation strategies that lead them to limit the area sown. The survival of a neglected plant can be explained by its importance as a food source for the communities. However, in order to increase acreage and scale up, the plant must also fulfil a commercial function.