Regions Of Benin Research Articles

Seasonal fluctuation of livestock feed resources in dry regions of Benin

Seasonal fluctuation of livestock feed resources in dry regions of Benin

Lactuca sativa Growth and Yield as Affected by Cashew Nut Shells Biochar, Cattle Manure and Urea in Northern and Central Benin

Aims: This study aims to identify good combinations of cashew nut shell biochar, cattle manure, and urea for enhancing lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth and yield in the North and Central regions of Benin. Place and Duration of Study: Two agronomic trials were conducted: one in Tchaourou, Borgou department (2022), and another in Dassa, Colline department (2023). Methodology: A Fisher experimental design with three replications was used at each site, focusing on fertilization with seven treatments, including four reference treatments (local practices) and three treatments based on the reference treatments with biochar incorporation. Results: The results demonstrated significant improvements in plant growth parameters and yield, with the application of biochar combined with cattle manure and urea or with cattle manure only. The plants leaves number, height and yields obtained from the application of 10 t ha⁻¹ biochar + 20 t ha-1 cattle manure and 10 t ha-1 biochar + 0.025 t ha-1 urea +10 t ha-1 cattle manure were respectively at least 165 and 318%; 25 and 50%; 42 and 91% higher than those obtained under the producer's mineral fertilization practice at both sites. Conclusion: The findings showed that integrating cashew nut shell biochar with organic and inorganic fertilizers can significantly enhanced lettuce production, and thus overall vegetable crop yields while reducing the need for mineral fertilizers and dependence of cattle manure. Additionally, studying the best application methods and rates for different soil types and crop systems can help in maximizing the benefits of biochar.

Assessing the spatial distribution patterns of suitable inland valleys for rice development: A case study of two contrasting regions in Benin

Assessing the spatial distribution patterns of suitable inland valleys for rice development: A case study of two contrasting regions in Benin

Groundwater Recharge Assessment in Central Benin: The Case of the Collines Region (West Africa)

The objective of this study was to assess groundwater recharge in the hard-rock central region of Benin so as to compare it with the water needs of the local population. To reach this objective, we applied the Water Table Fluctuation (WTF) method, which requires long-term monitoring of groundwater level fluctuations. Groundwater level time series were used in combination with other data (including time series of surface water discharge and rainfall) to estimate groundwater recharge but also to shed further light on the relationship between surface water and groundwater. The results demonstrated that the minimum inter-annual groundwater recharge amount is about 1.09 × 109 m3, which is enough to cover the basic water needs of the local population. It should be highlighted that in sub-regions where the density of the population is high, water shortage can still occur with the above estimated groundwater recharge amount. This study has also illustrated that when applying the WTF method, sites with a highly uncertain specific yield can be detected.

Dual-purpose crops productivity and small-scale dairy farmers’ food security efforts toward climate variability and change in Benin

Dual-purpose cropping (sowing crops with the intention of both grazing them during vegetative growth and harvesting grain thereafter for household consumption) is certainly a promising way to address challenges face by small-scale dairy farmers in Benin due to climate variability and change. This study evaluated the impact of climate variability and change on dual-purpose crops productivity performances and nutritional values in Benin’s climatic regions. Four dual-purpose crops were studied. They are maize fodder, sorghum fodder, peanut fodder and cowpea fodder. The grain yield across various climate regions and years were assessed. Also fodders samples were analysed according to official methods of AOAC. The results showed that dual purposes crops yield were significantly affected particularly in some years in many regions of Benin by climate parameters variation. The variation of humidity had a negative effect on cereals dual-purpose crops production in Guinean region while the impacts of temperature and rainfall on dual purpose crops were higher in Sudanian region. The model for predicting the resistance of dual-purpose crops to climate variability and change revealed that The Annual Yield of Sorghum Grain was significantly influenced by humidity (P=0.0111), Rainfall (P=0.0374) and Weather station/Region (P=0.0493), as well as by the interaction between temperature and Grain Yield per Hectare (P=0.0423). The annual quantity of maize produced varied significantly with temperature (P=0.00154), humidity, Rainfall (P=0. 00792), Weather station/ Region (P=0.00362). The Annual Yield of Cowpea Grain production varied significantly with Temperature and Humidity (0.0205). Furthermore, temperature, humidity, year and Grain Yield per Hectare significantly affected the Annual Yield of Peanut Grain Produced. Nutritional values of the four studies dual-purpose crops were assessed. The energy values were 0.60 and 0.50 UFL/kg of Dry Matter respectively for sorghum-fodder and maize-fodder, the contents of digestible nitrogenous materials (MAD) were 1 and 0 g/kg of DM respectively for sorghum-fodder and maize-fodder. If the energy values were quite good for cereals fodder, the nitrogen values were very low. This study highlighted the nutritional advantage of leguminous fodders over cereal fodders.

Twenty-Three Population-Based Trachoma Prevalence Surveys in the Central and Northern Regions of Benin, 2018–2022

ABSTRACT Purpose Trachoma is an infectious eye disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Infection causes conjunctival inflammation, which can be manifested by the sign known as trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF). Repeated inflammation leads to eyelid scarring, which in susceptible individuals can cause in-turning of the eyelashes, referred to as trachomatous trichiasis (TT). This article describes 23 population-based surveys conducted in northern and central Benin to determine TF and/or TT prevalence for trachoma elimination purposes. Methods A total of 18 surveys estimated the prevalence of both TF and TT: two baseline surveys, eight impact surveys after implementation of interventions against trachoma, and eight surveillance surveys. Five other evaluation units (EUs) were surveyed for TT only. To estimate the TF prevalence, a target sample size of 1701 (baseline) and 1164 1–9-year-olds (impact and surveillance) was required, whereas 2818 ≥ 15-year-olds were required to estimate the less prevalent TT. In each EU, individuals were selected by two-stage cluster sampling and examined by certified graders for TF and/or TT. Results A total of 68,613 people were examined. TF prevalence estimates were under the 5% elimination threshold in all surveys. TT prevalence estimates were above the 0.2% elimination threshold in all five TT-only surveys and in four impact surveys, ranging from 0.2–0.57% Conclusion TF prevalence in Benin is low, but TT was above 0.2% in nine districts. Increased case-finding and continuing efforts to improve surgery accessibility will be needed to reduce the burden of TT in Benin.

Traditional Herbal Medicine and its Prospects among Goat Breeders of Benin

Introduction: The use of traditional medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases in livestock farming is a common practice in Benin. Various ethnoveterinary studies have documented plants that livestock farmers use to treat animal diseases. However, these studies have been limited mainly to inventorying these plants, without exploring farmers’ perceptions on the use of these plants to promote the sustainable use of medicinal plants. The current study aimed to fill this gap by gathering farmers’ views on the use of traditional herbal medicines. Materials and methods: A structured survey was conducted from February to April 2023 in the southern, central, and northern regions of Benin. This survey targeted 480 goat farmers who actively engage in veterinary phytotherapy practices. Data were collected through random individual interviews with farmers. The interviews focused on the socio-cultural characteristics of the farmers, their motivations for using medicinal plants, the different forms of preparation, the plant efficacy, the difficulties encountered when using them, and prospects for improvement using open-ended, multiple-choice, and yes/no questions. Results: There were three distinct groups of goat farmers based on their opinions on the use of traditional herbal medicines and their socio-demographic characteristics. Group 1 consisted mainly of married and illiterate men. Group 2 was predominantly composed of married and educated men. Group 3 consisted mainly of married men, with a slightly higher illiteracy rate compared to Group 2. Group 1 used plants due to their easy accessibility and knowledge acquired since childhood, while groups 2 and 3 used them due to the high cost of conventional medicines and the perceived effectiveness of herbal medicine. Group 1 mainly used decoctions and powders, group 2 utilized powders, macerations, and trituration, and group 3 used raw preparations, decoctions, and macerations. All three groups agreed on the widely recognized efficacy of medicinal plants. Nevertheless, they encountered difficulties concerning conserving traditional herbal remedies and the imprecision of dosage. All three groups expressed a willingness to explore new forms of traditional herbal medicines, such as suspensions and tablets, prioritizing efficacy, availability, and affordability. Conclusion: The results indicated that all three groups of goat breeders expressed a willingness to use herbal medicines. However, they prefer suspensions and tablets of herbal medicines rather than other forms. In addition, prioritizing efficacy, availability, and affordability are notable for using herbal medicine in current study farmers. These results offer prospects for improving traditional herbal medicines.

The law of the single price within one country: the example of Benin

This article aims to test the hypothesis of the law of the single price within one country on the example of the regions of Benin. The checking of the hypothesis was carried out empirically and is based on unit root tests for panel data on consumer prices at the national level of Benin. Special attention is paid to the review of the most relevant unit root tests used for the analysis of the Panel data. The study noted how a shock affecting prices in one region could also affect prices in other regions of the country, due to cross-dependence. The time series of consumer prices by regions of Benin were used. A technique has been proposed that takes into account the possibilities of studying the cross-dependence of the data and defines the conditions for selecting the unit root test to verify the implementation of the law of the single price. As a result of the analysis of the stationarity of panel data, it was found that the law of a single price is not observed for all essential goods in the regions of Benin and an assessment of the differentiation of the country’s regions by the level of consumer prices was obtained.

Chemodiversity of propolis samples collected in various areas of Benin and Congo: Chromatographic profiling and chemical characterization guided by 13C NMR dereplication

Propolis is a resinous natural substance collected by honeybees from buds and exudates of various trees and plants; it is widely accepted that the composition of propolis depends on the phytogeographic characteristics of the site of collection. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition of ethanolic extracts from eight propolis batches collected in different regions of Benin (north, center, and south) and Congo, Africa. Characterization of propolis samples was performed by using different hyphenated chromatographic methods combined with carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13 C NMR) dereplication with MixONat software. Their antioxidant or anti-advanced glycation end-product (anti-AGE) activity was then evaluated by using diphenylpicrylhydrazyl and bovine serum albumin assays, respectively. Chromatographic analyses combined with 13 C NMR dereplication showed that two samples from the center of Benin exhibited, in addition to a huge amount of pentacyclic triterpenes, methoxylated stilbenoids or phenanthrenoids, responsible for the antioxidant activity of the extract for the first one. Among them, combretastatins might be cytotoxic. For the second one, the prenylated flavanones known in Macaranga-type propolis were responsible for its significant anti-AGE activity. The sample from Congo was composed of many triterpene derivatives belonging to Mangifera indica species. Therefore, propolis from the center of Benin seems to be of particular interest, due to its antioxidant and anti-AGE properties. Nevertheless, as standardization of propolis is difficult in tropical zones due to its great chemodiversity, a systematic phytochemical analysis is required before promoting the use of propolis in food and health products in Africa.

Clustering smallholders' farmers to highlight and address their agroecological transition potential in Benin and Burkina Faso

Despite the increasing number of stakeholders engaged in promoting agroecological transition initiative in West Africa, these initiatives are still struggling to scale it up. This study analyzes the potential for agroecological transition on farms in the Atacora and Houet regions of Benin and Burkina Faso respectively. To this end, a stepwise sampling method including 400 farm households has been carried out throughout the two regions. The FAO-designed TAPE tool was initially used to analyze the agroecological performance of farms. The theoretical framework of Therond et al. (2017) was then used as the analytical framework for farm diversity. Results showed that overall farms had low agroecological performance. Out of the ten dimensions of the agroecological transition that were used to perform the analysis, only three have scores above or equal to the threshold of 50%. Furthermore, the agroecological performance of farms did not significantly vary from one region to another. Regarding the farm diversity, three main classes have been identified. The first two clusters (C.1 and C.2) correspond to farms that are primarily cereal-based in Atacora and Houet. The last class (C.3) is a more complex one, corresponding to a class where cereal, cotton and fruit production were combined in various proportions. The outcomes provide opportunities for agroecological transition for each of the identified clusters.

Masculinities in context: how food insecurity shapes conjugal dynamics in northwestern Benin

ABSTRACT Further place-based empirical research on food insecurity and masculinities is necessary, particularly in West Africa, where notions of agrarian masculinity remain entrenched and rigid gender norms dictate the division of labour and household organization. Responding to the calls for more empirical research at this nexus in rural Africa, we draw on focus group and interview data collected in the Atacora region of Benin. We find that men’s identities as household breadwinners are being undermined by worsening food insecurity, which is contributing to growing inequality in the gendered division of labour. The result is a fraught renegotiation of gender roles within the household, wherein men attempt to reassert their masculinity and dominance in the gender hierarchy through violence. By engaging in a nuanced place-based analysis, our study explains how food insecurity in subsistence farming contexts intersects with masculinities to reproduce inequality and violence against women within the household.

Evaluation of Potential Seawater Intrusion in the Coastal Aquifers System of Benin and Effect of Countermeasures Considering Future Sea Level Rise

In the present study, a three-dimensional SEAWAT model was developed to generally simulate the impact of climate change and anthropogenic activities on seawater intrusion (SWI) in the coastal region of Benin by the end of 2050. The model was calibrated and validated from 2015 to 2020, considering groundwater head and salt concentration measured in 30 wells. After calibration, a sensitivity analysis was performed with the model parameters (hydraulic conductivity, recharge, storage coefficient and boundary conditions). For the calibration, model computed and observed values displayed good correlation, approximatively 0.82 with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.97 m and 13.38 mg/L for groundwater head and salt concentration, respectively. The simulation results indicate that freshwater head had declined by 1.65 m from 2015 to 2020 (taking reference from the average groundwater head in 2015: 27.08 m), while the seawater intrusion area increased in the same period by an average of 1.92 km2 (taking reference from the seawater intrusion area in 2015: 20.03 km2). The model is therefore used to predict groundwater level decline and seawater intrusion area increase by the end of 2050, considering the predicted sea level rise (SLR) and estimated groundwater pumping rate. Furthermore, the interface fresh groundwater–saltwater change was studied using the SHARP interface developed by USGS in 1990. The interface variation was found to be influenced by the distance from shoreline, sea level, groundwater level and geological formation hydraulic conductivity. Finally, the 3D model was used to simulate the effect of a managed aquifer recharge system on reducing SWI rate in the study region.

Typology of Fermented Porridges and Socio-demographic Characteristics of Respondents in the Northern Part of Benin

Fermentation is an ancestral process and one of the most used economic methods in the preservation and transformation of cereal-based food raw materials. They are essentially rich in carbohydrates, but they can also be a source of micronutrients such as iron and are used in many traditional culinary preparations, in particular fermented porridges. The aim of this study is to identify the variability of fermented cereal-based porridges produced and consumed in northern Benin. Thus, 315 producers and consumers were randomly interviewed in nine localities of northern Benin. First, field surveys were carried out in the traditional areas of porridge production and consumption in the northern region of Benin in order to establish the consumption map of fermented porridges. Secondly, interviews and occasional conversations were used for sample collection as well as occasional interviews (individual survey). During our investigation, eight (koko, bobossou, gbangba, apkan, sagagnega, akloui, bita and fourra) porridge were reported. Corn, millet and sorghum are cereals that are used for proceeding those porridges. The interviewed people are predominantly (35.53%) between 18 and 25 years old of age followed by those aged between 25 and 31 years old (30.82%). Mostly (63.21%) women were interviewed with a sex ratio (M/F = 0.58) and involved in the production of traditional porridge. More than 36% of respondents had at least secondary education, 30.82% are uneducated, 22.64% have primary education and 10.06% had at least university level. A significant association was observed between the cereal used and the type of porridge (p<0.001). It can be seen that the marketing and consumption of different porridges is associated with different communes in northern Benin. The method of preserving these porridges and their processing differs from one producer to another or from one consumer to another. It also differs from one municipality to another.

Impacts of forest pests on wood production in Khaya senegalensis plantations established in three climatic regions of Benin

Impacts of forest pests on wood production in Khaya senegalensis plantations established in three climatic regions of Benin

GALDIT Modification for Seasonal Seawater Intrusion Mapping Using Multi Criteria Decision Making Methods

Recently, coastal aquifers have been found to be increasingly exposed to seawater intrusion (SWI) due to climate change and anthropogenic activities. Various method exists for coastal aquifer vulnerability mapping and the one most commonly used is GALDIT because of its simplicity. The present study modified the original GALDIT ratings and weights using Shannon’s entropy theory to study the seasonal vulnerability of coastal aquifer in the coastal region of Benin, West Africa. Thus, the monthly GALDIT index for the study region was computed using 5 years of (2015–2019) average data of GALDIT dynamic input parameters. The original and modified GALDIT approaches were validated using total dissolved solid (TDS) concentration. Pearson’s correlation and Spearman coefficient correlations were calculated, and generally the modification of the GALDIT parameters’ relative weight using entropy has improved the method as this gave a better correlation with TDS concentration (0.739). From the calculated monthly GALDIT index, the most vulnerable period was identified using TOPSIS method. Based on TOPSIS results, the coastal aquifer of Benin is more vulnerable to seawater intrusion in February due to the decrease of groundwater level in that period and less vulnerable in July. The performed sensitivity analysis showed that height of groundwater level above the mean sea level, distance from shore, and thickness of the saturated aquifer have the most influence in vulnerability to SWI assessment in the study area.

Adoption and disadoption of the improved clay granary for maize storage: evidence from the northern and central regions of Benin

Adoption and disadoption of the improved clay granary for maize storage: evidence from the northern and central regions of Benin

Identification of Nosema Sp. Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius by PCR in Benin’s Apiaries

The bee A. mellifera L. is a key social insect, for its role in crop pollination and for the products generated in the hives. Nosema sp. Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius belong to the most important pests of A. mellifera Linnaeus bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae). The aim of this study was to identify the presence of Nosema Sp., Paenibacillus larvae, and Melissococcus plutonius in Benin’s apiaries by molecular characterization. Thirty-seven bee samples from three districts of Benin (North-East, North-West, and Centre) were analyzed in the study. We used Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests based on 16 S ribosomal RNA and primers specific to each of the parasites of interest to identify them in the bee samples. Data were analyzed with Graphpad prism 8 and Minitab 19. Only N. ceranae belonging to Nosema Sp was found in the tested samples with a rate of 13.51%. This indicates that the nosema parasite is present in the apiaries of Benin. This is the first report of N. ceranae in A. mellifera colonies in Benin. Intensive surveys should be carried out to determine the distribution and prevalence of N. ceranae in the different regions of Benin in order to effectively control this parasite.

Wrap & Plant Technology: An Innovative and Cost-Effective Method for Seed Yam Treatment for Nematode Control in Fields

ABSTRACT
 In West Africa, seed yam represents an important source of nematode inoculums in yam fields and a major cause of the disease perpetuation. To enhance nematode control on yam (Dioscorea spp.), a pilot participatory field evaluation was conducted in Benin on nematode control potential of abamectin-treated banana paper (treatment A) using seed wrap method. An additional seed yam wrapped with untreated paper (treatment B) is also considered. Both treatments A & B are then compared to unwrapped seed yam representing the farmers’ practice (FP). In each field, plots are arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replicates. The effects of seed yam treatment on nematode control in fields, gustatory qualities of yam tubers, and both social and profitability studies of the technology were assessed. In the present paper, only the study related to the profitability based on the Net Margin (NM) and the ratio Cost/Profit is presented. Results reveal advantages of treatments A and B over (FP). In fact, production statistics from treatments A and B are significantly higher than those from (FP). Based on the "willingness to pay" approach, the profitability study shows that treatment A has a Net Margin of approximately 153.7% that of (FP). Concerning the ratio Cost/Profit, 100 FCFA (West African CFA franc) spent in yam production using this new technology generates around 79.3 FCFA against 59.9 FCFA for (FP). Despite the success of this pilot study, input prices must be monitored before scaling up this innovation to the other agro-ecological regions of Benin.
 Key-words: Nematode control, Dioscorea spp., cost effectiveness, input prices, Wrap & plant technology, Benin

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) in Benin: Incidence, severity and its whitefly abundance from field surveys in 2020

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is the main threat to cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) production in Benin. This study was conducted to assess CMD incidence, disease severity, and adult whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) populations in 11 regions of Benin. A total of 180 cassava fields across the country were assessed during June–December 2020 following the harmonized protocol of the Central and West African Virus Epidemiology program. Based on symptoms observation, CMD was present in all surveyed fields in Ouémé and Alibori regions. The highest disease incidence levels were observed in Malanville (100%), Kpomassè (86.67%), Kandi and Zagnanado (both 81.67%), Ségbanan (80%), and Avrankou (76.67%) districts. The highest mean severity scores were in Couffo (3.68), Mono (3.63), and Atlantique (3.33) regions, while the lowest was in Alibori (2.37). Adult whitefly populations (mean number/plant) were highest in Couffo (15.88) and Mono (13.00) regions and lowest in Donga (0.06). Significant relationships were found between CMD severity and whitefly abundance (P = 0.0010) but there was no significant relationship between whitefly numbers and CMD incidence (P = 0.0577). These findings indicate that CMD has expanded its range across Benin. They also provide a basis for designing a response strategy for the control of cassava virus diseases such as CMD.

Socioeconomic correlates, typology and characterization of indigenous guinea fowl (Numida meleagris, Linnaeus) farming in Benin, West Africa

The role of agriculture in Benin, Western Africa cannot be overemphasized, where livestock production is a major occupation among the rural population as it serves as a means of livelihood and sustenance. This study was carried out to examine the socio-economic correlates of guinea fowl production status in Benin and to characterize their management practices. 165 farmers across 10 regions in Benin were selected using the non-probabilistic snowball sampling method. Information on farmers’ socio-economics, management practices and constraints to optimum production were elicited with the aid of a structured questionnaire and subjected to analysis. The results showed that across all the 10 regions surveyed, guinea fowl farming was the dominant occupation, particularly among men (81.0%) irrespective of sociolinguistic groups, religion and level of education. About one-third (34.5%) of the farmers had no formal education. In terms of characterization, four clusters of guinea fowl farmers were identified based on geographical location, educational level, management technique and farming experience. The constraints to guinea fowl production were slow growth and high mortalities as a result of diseases (40.7%) and predators (29.1%). Improvement in feeding (30%) and veterinary care (33.9%) were part of suggestions made by farmers to increase the productivity of the birds. The study concluded that adequate technical support and scientific research are inevitable in this sector as this will considerably improve the rural populations living conditions through enhanced income and therefore constitute a real lever for rural development.