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Under the pressure exerted by humans on forest ecosystems, agroforestry is promoted to maintain a balance between forest and agricultural ecosystems. Agroforestry systems are the center of interactions between crops and other plants and between fauna and flora. Within this faunistic diversity, ants occupy a prominent place through their protective association with some tropical plant species as natural enemies of their arthropod pests. In this study, we analyzed the effects of the diversity of trees associated with cashew trees and of cashew tree density on ant abundance/diversity in cashew agroforestry systems. The study was conducted in 12 cashew orchards in central Benin. Data on the diversity and densities of ground-dwelling and arboreal ant species were collected using hand and bait traps. The diversity of trees in the orchards and cashew tree density were also determined. Twenty ant species were collected among which the most abundant were Pheidole spp., Lepisiota sp., Paratrechina longicornis, Camponotus sericeus, Brachyponera sennaarensis, Camponotus spp., and Oecophylla longinoda. Tree diversity and cashew tree density in those orchards had significantly positive effects on the ant densities but not on ant diversity. Structural equation modeling showed that the abundance of ants increased the diversity of ants, which decreased the herbivory index. Based on the important role of ants as biological pest control agents, it is worth promoting agroforestry systems in cashew orchards to increase ant abundance, thereby improving their productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb, the most commercialised medicinal species in Southern Benin, is reported to be extinct in the wild due to anthropogenic pressures on its natural habitats. Remaining individuals can only be found in traditional agroforestry systems and home gardens. It is therefore important to understand how spatio‐temporal distribution of the species could be impacted by changing environmental conditions and propose strategies to be used for its conservation. Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modelling technique was used for modelling the current and future distribution of the species using present‐day combined with two future forecast scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways‐RCP): low‐RCP4.5 and high‐RCP8.5 emission scenarios. Environmental and demographic factors have impacted the distribution of the species. Rainfall driest quarter (44.5%), population density (30.4%), rainfall driest month (14.7%), potential evapotranspiration (6.5%) and number of dry months (4%) mostly contributed to the model. High suitable areas of the species will increase about (2.28%) and (0.06%) with the RCP8.5 and RCP4.5, respectively, at horizon 2055. In contrast, less suitable areas will decrease about 3.11% (RCP4.5) and 1.71% (RCP8.5). In‐situ conservation strategy is suggested to restore the species in the wild taking into account suitable areas for its growth, development and reproduction. Circa‐situ conservation should be promoted in agroforestry systems and home gardens for sustainable use of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the high demand for white Guinea yam, there is a need to develop and release improved varieties to farmers. Unfortunately, low rate of adoption of most of the improved yam varieties by both producers and consumers was observed. Information regarding agronomic characteristics and food qualities of popular white Guinea yam landraces with high market value are not available to establish minimum standards to be considered by breeding programs. To fill this gap, surveys using rural appraisal tools were carried out in 20 villages and 16 markets throughout Benin. Data on the agronomic performance suggested that for an improved variety to be adopted by Beninese farmers it should have a minimum yield of 4.16 ± 0.15 kg per mound, and average number of marketable tubers of 1.23 ± 0.05, a mean tuber length of 36.41 ± 1.22 cm, and a minimum diameter of 25.44 ± 1.16 cm. The sensorial attributes for boiled and pounded tubers of this improved variety should have minimum score of 3.16 for texture, 0.75 for softness, 3.75 for elasticity, and 1.34 for colour during the sensory evaluation. The improved variety must also have a minimum average severity score of 1.1 for yam mosaic virus disease, 1.33 for anthracnose and 1 for nematodes. Landraces Amoula, Laboko, and Djilaadja should be considered as the standard for yield, sensory attributes, and tolerance to pest and diseases while landraces Danwari, Kodjewe, Mondji, and Gnidou should be characterized as possessing good flowering and fruit setting capacities for breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of technological and policy interventions allowing to improve the performance of Beninese rice systems is necessary to reduce the heavy dependence on rice imports. This study characterized the Beninese rice farming systems, identified the production constraints, and determinants of the adoption of improved varieties by farmers. Four hundred eighteen rice farm households were surveyed across 39 villages using participatory research tools and methods. Cluster analysis was used to classify the surveyed farm households and revealed four typologies of rice farming systems differentiated by 8 variables. These are, the intensive rice farming system (cluster 4; 33.7%), semi-intensive rice farming system (cluster 1; 31.8%), integrated rice–livestock farming system (cluster 3; 11.8%), and subsistence rice farming (cluster 2; 22.7%). The integrated rice–livestock farming system was the dominant type practiced in the northern Benin, while, it is the intensive rice farming system in the south. Fifteen production constraints across rice-growing areas were recorded. Our results suggest that to increase adoption of improved rice varieties, agricultural extension services should target landowners' farmers practicing off-season rice production, and having other sources of income. Initiatives to boost rice production in Benin should prioritize the establishment of formal agricultural credit and mechanization option policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Rice (Oryza spp) is one of the most consumed cereals in the Republic of Benin. However, rice production is threatened by various pests, which lead to important yield losses. For the development of integrated management strategies responding to the farmers' realities, it is important to document their perceptions, knowledge and management of rice pests. Surveys involving 418 rice farmers to 21 ethnic groups through 39 villages were performed using rural appraisal tools. RESULTS: Farmers perceived birds, specifically weavers as the most important rice pests. The surveyed farmers also identified the variegated grasshopper, Zonocerus variegatus L. and rice brown leaf spots [Curvularia lunata (Wakker) Boedijn] as the main pests in the northern region, the pink stem borer, Sesamia calamistis Hampson and rice blast (Magnaporthe grisea (Hebert) Barr) in the southern region, and Z. variegatus and rice yellow mottle virus (genus Sobemovirus) in central Benin. The most important rice storage constraint was rodent attacks and the surveyed farmers proposed 13 key solutions to minimize constraints related to rice storage. Among various pest control methods recorded, farmers used mainly synthetic chemical pesticides. However, the Beninese National Pesticide Management Committee (CNGP) does not recommend most of pesticides used by farmers for rice protection (prohibited pesticides or intended for the protection of other crops). Farming experience, family size, region and number of observed pests have significantly influenced farmers' decision to use pesticides. CONCLUSION: The rice pests perceived by farmers as important vary significantly across regions. These results suggest that integrated pest management programmes which target rice pests accounting for these regional differences will be more effective. The identified variables that influence the use of pesticides must be taken in account in the development of strategies which will encourage farmers to use ecofriendly pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economic valuation of recreation services provided by ecosystems is attracting increased research attention. This is also the case in developing countries and in Benin in particular. This study focuses on beach recreation and intends to inform public policies regarding the government's seaside tourism development strategy and coastal regeneration programme. Based on a sample of 213 local, national and international visitors of Fidjrossè beach, the study provides the first estimation of consumer surplus for beach recreation services. It applies the Individual Travel Cost Method (ITCM), tests several count models, and adopts a negative binomial regression which best fits the data. The results highlight that beach recreation is preferred over other leisure activities by a majority of respondents, reflecting its worth as a recreational setting. The number of visits to the beach per year is determined by a variety of variables, including travel costs, visitors' education level and sex. The estimated visitor surplus (XOF 512.69; USD 0.87 USD for the total expenses per visitor per visit) is fairly low and is discussed with regard to the methodological limitations of the study, methodological issues that still need further investigation and the structural specificities of tourism in Benin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on first-hand data collected from a household survey in urban Benin, we examine membership in two types of informal groups that display the characteristics of a commitment device: Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs) and funeral groups. We investigate whether agents displaying time preferences with a present bias are more likely to commit themselves through participation in such groups. Our results provide evidence indicating that women who display such preferences are more likely to join funeral groups, but not ROSCAs, and to save more through them. These results hold for women but not for men. We also ensure that our results cannot be explained by intra-household conflict issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective The main objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of health sciences students regarding epilepsy at the end of their curriculum in Benin. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among medical, pharmacy, nursing, and midwife students in their last year of health sciences training in the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin. Students completed a self-administered questionnaire, containing items addressing demographics, epilepsy treatment, diagnosis, clinical practice, and social tolerance regarding a person with epilepsy (PWE). Results The response rate to our survey was 87.7% (n = 164). The sample consisted of 64 medical students, 22 pharmacy students, 43 nursing students, and 35 midwife students. They were divided into 95 female subjects and 69 males; sex ratio was 0.7. The mean age of participants was 23.6 ± 1.8 years. The mean scores for epilepsy knowledge, practices, and attitudes were respectively 7.6 ± 1.7 out of a maximum score of 11, 3.9 ± 1.8 out of 8, and 9.6 ± 0.8 out of 10. The KAP overall score was 21.1 ± 3.4 out of a maximum score of 29.0. The variables associated with the overall KAP score were training school, gender, having heard about epilepsy before health sciences studies (p = 0.017), and having a relative with epilepsy (p = 0.001). Male students and medical school students had significantly better overall KAP score than female students or the other training schools respectively (p < 0.001). Significance These findings support the need to improve the health sciences students' knowledge of epilepsy, in particular, during their training. Highlights • Epilepsy is a major public health problem in Benin. • There is a research gap on the assessment in healthcare workers' knowledge about epilepsy in Benin. • Health sciences students' knowledge about epilepsy at the end of their curriculum in Benin is relatively low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RESUME : Cet article analyse les effets de la politique budgétaire sur l'investissement privé au Bénin à l'aide de deux modèles économétriques (l'approche par le flux d'investissement public et l'approche par le capital public), estimés en utilisant les outils d'économétrie avancée tels que les tests de racine unitaire et de cointégration et en appliquant la procédure en deux étapes suggérée par . Nos résultats indiquent que la politique fiscale mais aussi le stock permanent de capital privé et le crédit au secteur privé favorise l'investissement privé. Cependant, la formation de capital public et les dépenses de consommation publique évincent l'investissement privé. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weighting scheme definition represents an important step in assessment of adaptive capacity to climate change with indicator approach since it defines the trade-offs among indicators or components and can be source of uncertainty. This study aims to assess smallholder farmers' adaptive capacity to climate change by using a mixed weighting scheme that reflect farmers' perceived importance of adaptive capacity components to inform policy makers. To achieve that objective, the sustainable livelihood framework was adopted and indicator approach was used for the assessment. The mixed weighting scheme were defined by using both equal weights and experts judgement methods during the assessment process. The mixed weighting scheme index is compared to the case where equal weights are applied in the assessment process and an uncertainty analysis was performed on relative standard deviation through a Monte Carlo simulation. Primary Data were collected from 450 farmers in two communities in northern Benin with a structured questionnaire and through focus groups discussion. The results show that smallholder farmers in both communities do not have the same perceived importance of adaptive capacity components. The index scores show that farmers have in majority low adaptive capacity. When weighted product aggregation method is used, there is more uncertainty related to the index computed with the mixed weighting scheme, but it leads to the same characterisation when compared with the index computed with the equal weights. It is recommended that mixed weighting scheme should be preferred for the assessment of adaptive capacity and weighted product aggregation method should be used. • Sustainable livelihood framework is used to define components of adaptive capacity. • Mixed weighting is defined through combination of equal weights and expert judgement. • Farmers are used as expert to define weights for adaptive capacity components. • Mixed and equal weighting indices have similar results of adaptive capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]