Area Of Benin Research Articles

Ruminant keeping around mangrove forests in Benin (West Africa): herders\u2019 perceptions of threats and opportunities for conservation of mangroves

In the Republic of Benin, mangroves are an essential resource for the coastal populations who use them for firewood, salt production, and ruminant feeding. However, little information exists on livestock keepers’ particular threats to mangroves. This study aims to understand the use of mangrove species by ruminant keepers to identify sustainable actions for mangroves conservation in the coastal area of Benin. Ethno-botanical and socio-economical surveys were conducted on ninety (90) ruminant farmers in fifteen (15) villages close to mangroves along the coastal belt using a semi-structured questionnaire. The herders provide their animals with different mangrove plant species for feeding and health care. Rhizophora racemosa, Avicennia africana, Paspalum vaginatum, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Blutaparon vermiculare were the primary species used for ruminants. Local communities of herders were aware of the need to restore and ensure the sustainable use of mangrove ecosystems. The main restoration and conservation strategy suggested was planting the true mangroves plant species. Others strategies were rational use of mangroves resources and avoiding burning mangroves. These strategies varied with the ethnical group of the herder and the mangrove status (degraded or restoring) in their location. The study also revealed the willingness of ruminant breeders to participate in actions to conserve mangroves. This participation in mangrove restoration was influenced by the ethnical group and age of the herder. Therefore, it is important to involve more ruminant farmers in activities and projects for mangroves restoration. Further study could evaluate whether grazing could enhance the other ecosystem services of mangroves.

Retrospective study of toxoplasmosis prevalence in pregnant women in Benin and its relation with malaria.

Globally distributed with variable prevalence depending on geography, toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. This disease is usually benign but poses a risk for immunocompromised people and for newborns of mothers with a primary infection during pregnancy because of the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT). CT can cause severe damage to fetuses-newborns. To our knowledge, no study has been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa on toxoplasmosis seroprevalence, seroconversion and CT in a large longitudinal cohort and furthermore, no observation has been made of potential relationships with malaria. We performed a retrospective toxoplasmosis serological study using available samples from a large cohort of 1,037 pregnant women who were enrolled in a malaria follow-up during the 2008-2010 period in a rural area in Benin. We also used some existing data to investigate potential relationships between the maternal toxoplasmosis serological status and recorded malaria infections. Toxoplasmosis seroprevalence, seroconversion and CT rates were 52.6%, 3.4% and 0.2%, respectively, reflecting the population situation of toxoplasmosis, without targeted medical intervention. The education level influences the toxoplasmosis serological status of women, with women with little or no formal education have greater immunity than others. Surprisingly, toxoplasmosis seropositive pregnant women tended to present lower malaria infection during pregnancy (number) or at delivery (presence) and to have lower IgG levels to Plasmodium falciparum Apical Membrane Antigen 1, compared to toxoplasmosis seronegative women. The high toxoplasmosis seroprevalence indicates that prevention against this parasite remains important to deploy and must be accessible and understandable to and for all individuals (educated and non-educated). A potential protective role against malaria conferred by a preexisting toxoplasmosis infection needs to be explored more precisely to examine the environmental, parasitic and/or immune aspects.

Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Species Associated with Soybean (<i>Glycine max</i> L. Merill) in Benin

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMFs) could be used to sustainably improve crop yields. The present study evaluated the diversity of AMF species associated with soybean (Glycine max L. Merill) in main soybean-producing areas in Benin. Composite soil samples from 13 production areas at a rate of 04 villages per production areas were collected. A spore trapping device was set up to reveal the diversity of spores. The physical and chemical properties of the soils, the frequency and intensity of mycorrhization of roots, and the diversity of AMF spores were determined in the soil samples following trapping. As result, eight morphotypes belonging to four genera: Glomus, Acaulospora Gigaspora and Disversispora and three families: Diversisporales, Glomérales and Paraglomérales were observed. An important variability of spore densities was observed from one production areas to another with a higher abundance in the production areas of Copargo estimated at 3584 spores/100g soil. The biological diversity indexes as Shannon (0.0311), Simpson (0.0204) and Hill (0.0235), varied significantly (p < 0.05) from one production areas to another. There was significant correlation between the parameters studied, particularly between the physico-chemical parameters of the soils and between the physico-chemical parameters and the biological diversity indexes. For the mycorrhization parameters, the mycorhization frequencies did not vary from one production areas to another, unlike the intensities, which significantly varied from one production areas to another (2.31% to 24.62%). Finally, this study revealed that the physico-chemical parameters of the soils had an influence on the other parameters studied. Moreover, there were an abundance and a significant diversification of AMFs associated with soybean in the different production areas, which are influenced by certain physico-chemical soil parameters.

Folk classification and traditional uses of Cyperus esculentus, a neglected and underutilized species in Benin

Abstract. Adjahossou VN, Gbemavo DSJC, Abidja S, Laly J, Gbaguidi AA, Anagonou AD. 2021. Folk classification and traditional uses of Cyperus esculentus, a neglected and underutilized species in Benin. Biodiversitas 22: 2972-2979. The sweet pea or tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.) has very high potential to be developed but is considered a neglected and underutilized plant in Benin. The current study aims to investigate the indigenous knowledge related to local diversity, production and uses of various landrace types of tigernut grown in its production areas in Benin. Using Participatory Research Appraisal (PRA) method, we surveyed 113 tigernut farmers in different regions of production in Atacora Department, Benin. Univariate statistics were performed to describe and compare tigernut farmers' responses on botanical and agronomic criteria. We found that the tigernut farmers in the studied area distinguished three landraces of C. esculentus. Two landrace types produced yellow-skinned tubers and the other produced black-skinned tubers. Economic value, agro-morphological traits and organoleptic quality were the criteria considered by the farmers when choosing the type of landrace to cultivate. According to the farmers, the attacks of the tubers by earthworms and termites constituted the main constraints of the production of tigernut. Local people used the species mainly for food, while small proportion was for medicine (e.g., for aphrodisiac) and soil fertilization purposes. This study implies that C. esculentus in Benin deserves better attention to be conserved and developed.

May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Benin–Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract Hypertension constitutes a major health concern worldwide and particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative of the International Society of Hypertension for raising awareness of high blood pressure (BP). This work aims to determine the prevalence, awareness and levels of treatment and control of hypertension among adults participating in the MMM Campaign in Benin in 2019 (MMM19). A cross-sectional survey including volunteers aged ≥18 years was carried out in June 2019 in 13 rural and urban areas in Benin. BP measurement followed the MMM19 protocol. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg, or a diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg (based on the mean of the second and third readings) or taking antihypertensive medication. A total of 3637 people were screened with a female predominance (61.4%) and a mean age of 44.4 ± 16.1 years. A total of 1363 (37.5%) participants had hypertension. Of 1363 participants with hypertension: 64.5% were aware of their status and 43.9% were taking antihypertensive medication. Among 598 participants taking anti-hypertensive medication, 34.9% had controlled BP (systolic BP &amp;lt;140 mmHg and diastolic BP &amp;lt;90 mmHg). The results suggest a high prevalence of hypertension in Benin and that intensifying actions for its primary prevention, early detection and effective management should be encouraged.

Modeling of Communication Strategies for Reducing Public Road Accidents Involving Two-Wheel Motorized Vehicles in Urban Areas: Case of Cotonou and Parakou Cities in Benin

<i>Introduction</i>: Road accidents are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. To reduce their scale, some approaches have been favored, such as communication actions. This work aimed to propose an integrated model for the effective reduction of road accidents among motorized two-wheeled vehicle drivers (2WD) in urban areas in Benin. <i>Method</i>: This is a cross-sectional and analytical study of road users (n=1497) in Cotonou and Parakou. The data was collected on a mobile phone using CSPro software and analyzed in three stages: descriptive analysis, multivariate analysis for the selection of variables significantly affecting the variable to be explained, and the development of the integrated model using the Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network. <i>Results</i>: The study showed that communication actions, advocacy, contextual interventions, belief, certain individual characteristics of users, were significantly associated with the reduction of road accidents. The communication model that emerges from this is akin to "persuasive engaging" communication. <i>Conclusion</i>: This study demonstrated the importance of using an integrated national communication program to strengthen road safety. To do so, they need to promote respect for the Highway Code by emphasizing the sanctity of human life must be combined with relevant accompanying measures.

Quality and Method of Management of Drinking Water in Rural Areas in Benin: Case of Artesian Drills of Dogbo Ahomey in the Borough of Tota, Municipality of Dogbo

The objective of this study is to assess the quality of the artesian borehole water consumed by the population of the village of Dogbo Ahomey in order to prevent pathologies on the populations. Methodology and Results: The household surveys were supplemented by a campaign to analyze the water samples in the laboratory. The samples were analyzed according to the standardized methods of the American Public Health Association (APHAAWWA-WPCF, 1994). A total of twenty (20) physico-chemical parameters and four (04) microbiological parameters were used to assess the quality of the different water samples. The results of the physico-chemical analysis showed that the water samples studied present values that are below the standards recommended by the WHO and by the Beninese standards for the quality of drinking water (Standards, 2001). From a microbiological analysis point of view, of the four samples studied, two show strong pollution by germs. This could be a significant health risk for households who take water from these sources to meet their needs.

Estimation of Reference Emission and Absorption Levels in Benin’s Protected Areas

For the implementation of the REDD+ mechanism, the UNFCCC, through decision 12/CP17, invites countries to develop certain tools to estimate reference emission levels for forests. With this in mind, reference emission and absorption levels were estimated in five protected areas in Benin. To achieve this, two different datasets were used, namely: in situ data from the field collection campaign carried out in 2018, especially from the national forest inventory of 2007 and land use data from 2000 to 2018. In accordance with the 2006 IPCC Good Practice Guidance on Greenhouse Gas Inventories, the calculation of historical emissions from deforestation and degradation is done by multiplying Activity Data (AD) by Emission Factors (EF). The analysis of the results shows that at the national level, the annual deforestation rate in protected areas is 0.34% (2091 ha/year), compared to 1.09% (3153 ha/year) for the annual degradation rate. Overall, carbon emissions amount to 166.65 Mt.eq-CO2/ha, or 16.67 Mt.eq-CO2/ha/year, compared to baseline removals of about 1.14 Mt.eq-CO2/ha, or 0.11 Mt.eq-CO2/ha/year in the protected areas covered by this research. Annual emissions of 0.67 Mt.eq-CO2/ha/year from methane are also noted, compared to 0.056 Mt.eq-CO2/ha/year from nitrous oxide. Therefore, It is clear that actions to mitigate GHG emissions must be undertaken directly in Benin’s protected areas in order to strengthen forest carbon stocks.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Risk Factors among Adolescents and Youth in Secondary School in 2018, Commune of Cov&amp;#232;, Benin

Background: Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of hepatitis B infection in adolescents and youth attending secondary school in Cove, urban area in Benin. Methods: From 4th to 10th February 2018, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24 years old. Subjects were randomly selected. Hepatitis B surface antigenaemia (HBsAg) was assayed in blood using rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: Two hundred adolescents and youth were recruited. The seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection was 18.50%. According to the multivariate logistic regression model, being infected by hepatitis B was 4.32 times higher in the age group of 15 - 19 years old than in 20 - 24 years age group (PR = 4.32 95% CI [1.51 - 12.34], p = 0.0063). Similarly, students who had not been aware of hepatitis B were more infected than those who were sensitized (PR = 14.60 [95% CI 4.98 - 4.27], p = 0.0001). With regard to lifestyle, individuals with tattoos or piercings were 8.60 times more likely to have been infected by HBV than those without tattoos or piercings, (PR = 8.60; 95% CI [3.41 - 21.70], p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The seroprevalence of hepatitis B among adolescents and youth attending secondary school was high. Regular screening of HVB infection status should be included in school health services in Benin. Awareness campaigns and health education on HVB transmission and prevention should be promoted and strengthened.

Determining factors associated with breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in rural Southern Benin.

This study aimed at characterizing breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in a food‐insecure area of Benin and identifying factors associated with these practices. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in the districts of Bopa and Houéyogbé among n = 360 mother–child pairs. Children aged 0–17 months were considered. Socioeconomic characteristics among children and mothers, Breastfeeding on demand, Breastfeeding frequency during children illness, and Positioning and Attachment of children while breastfeeding were assessed using semi‐structured interviews and observations. Qualitative 24‐hr recalls were administered to mothers to compute WHO recommended complementary feeding practices indicators namely minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) among 6–17 months old children (n = 232). Associations between each feeding practice and mothers' socioeconomic characteristics were tested using multivariate generalized linear models. Breastfeeding on demand and good positioning and attachment for breastfeeding rates were 59% and 66%, respectively. Only 26% of mothers used to increase breastfeeding frequency when their children were ill. The proportions of children who met MDD, MMF, and MAD were 51%, 75%, and 44%, respectively. Children living in Houéyogbé were less likely to be breastfed on demand compared with those living in Bopa; however, they had better breastfeeding frequency during illness and meal frequency. Socioeconomic factors with significant association with breastfeeding practices were children age and sex and mothers’ education, ethnicity, and employment status. Complementary feeding practices were positively associated with children's age but not with other socioeconomic characteristics. Breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices were almost suboptimal or medium and still need to be improved through well designed nutrition intervention program including nutrition education.

Epidemiological Profile of Road Traffic Accidents Involving Motorized Two-wheelers in Urban Areas in Benin

Motorcyclists are among vulnerable road users and account for 28% of road traffic fatalities worldwide. In Benin, the problem is accentuated in large cities such as Cotonou and Parakou, where road transport is dominated by motorized two-wheelers. This paper aimed to study the epidemiological profile of RTAs involving motorized two-wheelers in Cotonou and Parakou (Benin), from 2016 to 2017. This was a retrospective study based on the database of the National Centre for Road Safety. This is a public institution in charge of implementing the road safety policy and road traffic accident surveillance at the national level. Logistic regression was applied to assess the associations between independent variables and the outcome variable. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. From 2016 to 2017, 1,628 road traffic accidents involving motorized two-wheelers were recorded in Cotonou and Parakou, of which 62 (3.81%) were fatal. RTAs recorded in Parakou (AOR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.29 – 4.93), single-vehicle crashes (AOR = 7.73, 95% CI = 2.70 – 22.07), collisions between motorized two-wheelers and trucks (AOR = 12.42, 95% CI = 6.16 – 25.04), collisions between motorized two-wheelers and pedestrians (AOR = 6.46, 95% CI = 2.70 – 15.47) and time slot from midnight to 6 a.m. (AOR = 3.88, 95% CI = 1.61 – 9.34) were significantly more deadly. Measures targeting motorcyclists should be undertaken such as the implementation of an integrated model of communication strategies.

Combining optical and radar satellite image time series to map natural vegetation: savannas as an example

AbstractUp‐to‐date land cover maps are important for biodiversity monitoring as they are central to habitat and ecosystem distribution assessments. Satellite remote sensing is a key technology for generating these maps. Until recently, land cover mapping has been limited to static approaches, which have primarily led to the production of either global maps at coarse spatial resolutions or geographically restricted maps at high spatial resolutions. The recent availability of optical (Sentinel‐2) and radar (Sentinel‐1) satellite image time series (SITS) which provide access to high spatial and very high temporal resolutions, is a game changer, offering opportunities to map land cover using both temporal and spatial information. These data moreover open interesting perspectives for land cover mapping based on data combination approach. However, the usefulness of combining dense time series (more than 30 images per year) and data combination approaches to map natural vegetation has so far not been assessed. To address this gap, this contribution tests the idea that the combined consideration of optical and radar data combination and time series analyses can significantly improve natural vegetation mapping in the Pendjari National Park, a Sahelian savanna protected area in Benin. Results highlight that the combination of Sentinel‐1 and Sentinel‐2 SITS performs as well as Sentinel‐2 SITS alone in terms of classification accuracy. Land cover maps are however qualitatively better when considering the data combination approach. Our results also clearly show that the use of dense/hypertemporal optical time series significantly improves classification outcomes compared to using multitemporal only a few images per year) or monotemporal data. Altogether, this work thus demonstrates the ability of dense SITS to improve discrimination of natural vegetation types using information on their phenology, leading to more detailed and more reliable maps for environmental management.

Assessment of Treatment from the National Laboratory of Cholera Patients in Benin: Retro-Prospective and Prospective Study

Cholera is reemerging as an infectious disease with an increase in its overall incidence in Africa since 2008. To analyze the epidemiological aspects of the cholera outbreak in endemic areas in Benin, the study is a retrospective investigation on 2560 data of cholera patients received in health facilities from 2012 to 2016 in Benin. Besides, a prospective study was conducted. This prospective study includes 513 person (health professionals, community workers and people exposed to cholera) of five different areas of the country. It was conducted from April 10 to May 10, 2017. A survey was conducted over 513 in order to collect data on cholera symptoms, hygiene guidelines suggested by the respondents, excreta disposal, drinking water, household waste management and direct observation. Software R 3.4.0 was used for simple correspondence factor analysis (CFA). From 2012 to 2016, 16.48% of samples were taken and 48.34% were positive for Vibrio cholera O1, El Tor biotype, Ogawa serotypes. The Littoral area is leading in the number of cases (33.83%) followed by Atlantic (23.75%), Ouémé (16.79%) and Colline (8.91%). The survey revealed that the exposed populations are unaware of the symptoms of cholera and do not perceive the quality of drinking water as a strong guidance in the prevention of cholera. Nevertheless, the majority of respondents (86%) are aware for the best times to wash their hands and know that they need to go to hospital in case of symptoms. Our study highlights the persistence of vulnerability factors to cholera in the targeted population, despite a good knowledge of prevention rules among staff and the population.

Effect of Climate Variability on Yams (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Dioscorea spp&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;.) Production in Central and Northern Benin

Climate change poses an important constraint to agricultural sector and food security in tropical African countries dominated by rain-fed agriculture. This research focuses on the effects of climate variability on yam production in central and northern Benin. Daily climate data such as temperatures, precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, relative humidity and insolation from 1981 to 2016 were collected at the direction of METEO-Benin. A survey was then conducted with 351 producers to collect their perceptions of the effect of climate variability on the yams production. Descriptive statistics, principal component analysis (PCA) followed by trend analyses, Lamb index calculations and the agro-climatic stress index were carried out. The distribution of rain during the yam cycle (91.5% of those surveyed), the ambient temperature (84.9%), insolation (83.5%), the amount of rainwater that fell during the rainy season (82.2%) and the harmattan (53.3%) are perceived by sociolinguistic groups as climatic factors affecting the growth, the tuberization and yield of yams according to the producers. The results indicate an upward trend in temperature over the period 2001 to 2016 in the transition zone (28.4°C) and in the Northeast (27.76°C) and over the period from 2001 to 2011 in the North-West of Benin (27.71°C), where the average annual temperature during these periods is higher than normal (27.82°C in the center, 27.44°C in the Northeast and 27.42°C to the northwest). This research also shows an instability of the rains with a regular decrease in the rainfall in the Centre and the North-East of the country. The agro-climatic stress index (ISA) and above all the annual rainfall constitute the main climatic factors which determine the yield of yam in the various growing areas in Benin. The average annual temperature and that of January in the transition zone, the rains of January and April in the North-East zone and the relative humidity in the North-West zone also probability determine the yield of the yam.

Factors Influencing Soil Erosion Control Practices Adoption in Centre of the Republic of Benin: Use of Multinomial Logistic

Water erosion threatens large agricultural areas in Benin. This study dealing with the effect of personal household&amp;rsquo;s attributes and field physical characteristics on erosion control practices was carried out in the watershed of Zou. A total of 390 farmers distributed in six were randomly sampled. Questionnaires, interview, focus group discussion and field observation were used as the main data collection technics. It allowed to collect sociodemographic and institutional characteristics and have a view on the effectiveness of the erosion control practices adoption. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistic and logistic regression. Ridging parallel to the slope (40.77% in adoption); mulching (11.03% in adoption); isohypse ridging (16.67% in adoption) and no-tillage (8.46 in adoption) were inventoried as soil erosion control practices on the watershed. It appears that that the household&amp;rsquo;s sociodemographic and institutional attributes and field physical characteristics significantly affected the adoption of the inventoried water erosion control practices. Sex, education, farmer&amp;rsquo;s organization membership, landownerships, access to agricultural advice service, position of the field on the toposequence and presence of water stream significantly influenced the soil erosion control practices adopted on the watershed. The results of this study showing that set of factor sway farmers to adopt soil erosion control practices can help policy makers to upscale the adoption of the practices and soil scientists to orient their research programs on erosion control practices.

Ethnoapicultural investigation to improve conservation status of threatened melliferous agroforestry species with high medicinal and food values in Benin

In northern Benin, several agroforestry species are nectar-producing, with high medicinal and food values. These species are currently threatened by the destruction of their habitats caused by deforestation and agriculture, mainly cotton production. Considering their importance for humans and beekeeping, this investigation was carried out in one of the most important honey production areas in Benin. Individual interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to identify the medicinal and food plants associated with honey production. Data were collected on food and medicinal uses, beekeepers’ preferences in the choice of melliferous species and constraints faced for honey and medicinal species conservation in the areas studied. From these data, 46 species of medicinal and food species were identified as melliferous. Thus, nine new species were added to the list of melliferous species in Benin. Most of the species are also used as sources of human food or medicine in traditional set up. Species preferred by beekeepers were those that provide large amounts of sweet, fragrant hone. It appears that honey from 11 plant species with a high use value was clearly recognized by beekeepers who are involved in various human diseases’ treatment. The constraints hampering the management of these melliferous species are extensive farming, animal husbandry, anarchic logging. This study brings us the avenues for modernization of beekeeping and the possibility of producing therapeutic honey.

Hybrid off-grid renewable power system for sustainable rural electrification in Benin

Providing power to rural communities, which are far from the grid and suffer from lack of energy access in Africa, especially in Benin, in a sustainable manner requires the adoption of appropriate technology. This paper aims at analysing the techno-economic feasibility of hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) for sustainable rural electrification in Benin, using a case study of Fouay village. HOMER software is used to perform optimization, simulation and sensitivity analysis. The analysis showed that hybrid solar photovoltaics (PV)/diesel generator (DG)/battery (of 150 kW/62.5 kVA/637 kWh) is the least cost optimal system. This system ensures a reliable power supply, reduces battery requirements by 70% compared to PV/battery system and achieves 97% CO2 emissions reduction compared to a conventional DG. Moreover, the study demonstrated that the most economical HRES depends strongly on the potential energy sources available at a location and power plant's remoteness from the beneficiary. In summary, as solar radiation is an abundant resource across the country, this hybrid PV/DG/battery system can be a suitable model to power remote areas in Benin, and we recommend it for future electrification projects in the country in place of the current widely deployed PV/battery system.

Farmers’perceptions on the pineapple mealybug [&lt;i&gt;Dysmicoccus brevipes&lt;/i&gt; (Cockerell) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae)] and control methods in Benin

Objectives : This study aimed at evaluating the perceptions of farmers on the pineapple mealybug, the different control methods adopted against the pest and the socio-cultural factors that influence these perceptions. Methodology and Results : A survey was conducted among 180 pineapple producers using a semistructured questionnaire in five main pineapple production areas in Benin. Binomial regression and Factorial Correspondence Analysis (FCA) were performed to determine the sociocultural factors that influence farmers’ knowledge on the pineapple mealybug. Fifty eight percent of farmers perceived mealybug as pineapple insect pest while 22.22% reported the insect as the MWP disease vector. Experience in Pineapple production and participation in training determined the knowledge of farmers on the mealybug as important pineapple insect pest and as MWP disease vectors. Only trained farmers used to apply control methods. Conclusions and application of findings: This study shows that it is the trained producers who have a better knowledge of the mealybug and adopt some control methods. It is therefore an emergency that training seminars be organized for a large number of producers followed by supervision in sight of making them qualified to better control the proliferation of mealybug and limit the spread of wilt disease. Key words: Farmers ‘perceptions, pineapple mealybug, control methods, Benin

Effects of Seasonal Flooding in Benin City and the need for a Community-Based Adaptation Model in Disaster Management in Nigeria

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of hydrologically induced environmental problem in Benin City and how communities (considered as non-state actors) can be sustainably integrated/participate in monitoring of environmental change, disaster preparedness, post disaster management mechanisms and influence water resources development/management decisions. The study focused on the seasonal flood events of years 2016 and 2017. The study showed that the impacts of flooding in Benin City ranges from submergence of physical infrastructures, loss of agricultural lands/ farms. Using the Focused Group Discussion and Interview methods, 61.9% of flood affected persons agreed that their houses were submerged, 80.5% indicated that their farms, including fish farms, piggery, snail farms, crops and poultry were damaged by floods, 9.6%, indicated having experienced food stock losses due to floods. Most common diseases/sicknesses experienced were diarrhoea (27%), malaria (37%); cough (20%), while sickness due to snake bite was the least (4%). Fe and fecal coli form count values were high during seasonal flood event. Most of the hydraulic regulation projects have failed mainly due to poor feasibility study, inadequacy of hydrological data, non-involvement of relevant stakeholder and the complete absence of community based groups during engineering construction works. The study proposed a State-Non-state actors Integrated Model, which will be registered as a Corporate organization to plan and monitor environmental changes relating to climate change, flood and gully erosion disasters and with the active involvement of NEMA, SEMA, LEMA and other related agencies and NGO. Depending on the size of each Local Government Area in Benin, the proposed committee will comprise of 25-50 members. The study recommends capacity building of members in the form of training and re-training in the areas of early warning, preparedness, adaptation, emergency plan, data collection method/analysis, writing of research grants proposals to fund the activities of the committee and monitoring for environmental changes.

Diversity, distribution and ethnobotanical importance of cultivated and wild African trifoliate yam [Dioscorea dumetorum (Kunth) Pax] in Benin

Dioscorea dumetorum is an important native tuber crop commonly grown in West Africa. The present study aimed to document the indigenous knowledge related to its diversity and distribution as well its ethnobotanical importance in the production areas in Benin. In total, 555 farmers belonging to 18 socio-linguistic groups were surveyed in 78 villages covering the major production areas in the country. The study revealed that local farmers have developed important knowledge on the production and uses of this tuber crop. Twenty-five farmer-named landraces, further grouped into 3 major morphotypes, were globally recorded. Their extent and distribution varied significantly, with in general the southern and central agro-ecologies holding the largest cultivar diversity while the northern agro-ecologies being less diversified. The pure yellow cultivars were the most popular morphotype. The seed management system remained traditional. Farmers’ preference criteria in selecting cultivars relied essentially on plant attributes and environment stress adaptations. The crop is grown mainly for food and trading purposes while it is also used in traditional medicine and magico-mystic rituals. Along with agro-ecological parameter, the results revealed that the socio-cultural factors such as the ethnic group and the age of farmers had significant impact the overall use value of D. dumetorum. Wild morphotypes of D. dumetorum were recognized and also exploited in ethnomedicine by farmers. Although well appreciated by the farmers, the potential of the crop was less exploited. Concerted efforts are needed to preserve and valorize its genetic resources to combat food insecurity and malnutrition in Benin.