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This study investigates skills mismatch in the agricultural labour market. Therefore, 336 agriculture employers and 654 agriculture employees were surveyed in Benin. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests . The findings showed that even though there is a good educational match for most employees, overeducation is more substantial than under education for upper agricultural high school diploma holders (DEAT) and agricultural tertiary education diploma holders. In addition, about 2% of agricultural high education diploma holders and 6.38% of DEAT holders had a job irrelevant to their field of study. The study further showed that agriculture graduates were under-skilled for the soft and digital skills under review. Moreover, training providers do not equip students with job search skills. These findings imply that vertical mismatch is more pronounced than horizontal mismatch. The study suggested a prioritisation of the implementation of training programmes based on the demand in terms of study level and field of study, an update of curricula by integrating the lacking soft, digital and job search skills, a settlement of a collaborative network between employers and training institutions, an implementation of mentoring programmes, and an investment of enterprises in the adequate training of youth as social responsability.

In sub-Saharan Africa, rapid population growth, urbanization, increasing incomes, and changing dietary preferences are the main drivers of the rising demand for livestock products, especially fresh milk and derived products. To meet this demand, there is an increasing number of dairy cattle farms in the densely populated coastal zone of Benin, where the country's largest city and commercial capital Cotonou is located. To identify and characterize the peri-urban dairy production systems in this region, 190 cattle keepers were surveyed, using the snowball sampling method, in four municipalities neighboring Cotonou. Information on their socio-economic characteristics, cattle herd sizes, and herd management practices were collected through questionnaire-based face-to-face interviews. Factor analysis of mixed data followed by hierarchical clustering on principal components, implemented in R statistical software, were applied to classify the surveyed farms into homogeneous groups. Results revealed six types of peri-urban dairy cattle farms differing mainly in their cows' breeds, herd sizes, and daily amount of milk produced. Most herds (88%) were owned by urban dwellers, mainly civil servants and traders, who entrusted the management of their cattle to hired professional herders. Irrespective of farm type, cows were of local taurine (65%) or Sahelian zebu (35%) breeds and were exclusively fed on communal natural pasture. Mineral supplementation was provided to the animals on 42% of farms, with significant variation across farm types. About 45% of the farms integrated cattle production with other agricultural activities, including coconut plantations (22%), where cow manure was used as fertilizer. The herd structure was similar across farm types, with average proportions of cows and heifers ranging from 37.6 to 47.5% and from 13.1 to 19.7%, respectively. With significant differences across farm types, the produced milk was either transformed into traditional cheese (32% of farms) or sold raw (85%). Milk and cheese sales represented 84% of the total farm income for three out of the six farm types. In the current context of rapid urbanization, communal grazing lands alone cannot provide sufficient feed to support increased milk production. In addition to improved feeding strategies, herd structure should be balanced in terms of the ratio between milk-producing and non-producing animals.

This study evaluates the impact of mentoring programs on the likelihood of getting a job in the agricultural sector after a one-year experiment conducted in Benin. The program provides graduates in agriculture-related fields with capacity building (digital skills, job search skills, and interpersonal skills) – as well as the support of a professional who is either a junior (junior model) or a senior (senior model) – as they seek jobs. The evaluation framework followed a mixed-methods design that incorporated survey data and qualitative data. The findings from the randomised controlled trial (RCT) showed a positive impact of the senior mentoring model, which increased the likelihood of getting a job in the agricultural sector by 16.4 per cent. In addition, the senior mentoring model had more impact on the likelihood of getting a job for both genders with an increase of 18.7 per cent for men and 11.9 per cent for women. Furthermore, mentees valued receiving practical career-related assistance, a realistic perspective on the workplace, and psychological and emotional support. The study suggests the need for a comprehensive policy package by policymakers and the institutionalisation of a formal mentoring program by youth-serving organisations based on the senior model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study analyzed the adequacy between credit supply and the expectations of rice farmers in Central Benin to define policies for improved agricultural-oriented financial services. A survey was conducted in October 2016 among 120 rice farmers randomly selected from six rice-farming villages. Data collected through structured and semi-structured interviews included the financial services offered by Microfinance Institutions, socio-demographic characteristics of rice farmers, their expectations and perception. Multivariate analysis combining hierarchical ascending cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to define the distinct groups of rice farmers according to their credit expectations. The unmet expectations of rice farmers for a credit scheme that suits their needs were identified based on the gaps between their expectations and perception. There were three rice farmers’ clusters with distinct characteristics based on their expectations. These farmers were not satisfied with all the attributes of the current credit scheme. Pending the effectiveness of the agricultural bank, the approaches such as the inventory credit system are useful in facilitating credit access to smallholder farmers. It is also essential to combine credit supply with financial education and technical support in a system such as contract farming.

The estuarian and lagoon areas of southeast Benin are atypical lake territories where private property rights are hereditary from endogenous legal tradition. People live in stilt dwellings and are exclusively dedicated to free-to-access fishing. Consequently, an increasing number of fishers with low respect for the State’s general rules for sustainable fishing contribute to legal pluralism and the tragedy of the commons. Co-management of small-scale fisheries has been advocated to offer various benefits, including improved socio-ecological integration, shared sustainable livelihoods, and adherence to biodiversity objectives. This study aims to assess the factors that influence the willingness of small-scale fishers to adopt property rights co-management options in southeast Benin. The data were collected using the discrete choice experiment method. The results show that 44% of fishers are willing to adopt property rights co-management options. This willingness is determined by their involvement in the co-management committee, access to a subsidy and livelihood diversification options. These fishers are the oldest in the sample and primarily owners of Acadja, a traditional fishing tool made of bush and tree branches planted in the lake. Institutional agreements for co-management establishment, such as subsidies to support small-scale fishers’ livelihood diversification and capacity-building, must be set up to achieve co-management goals.

RÉSUMÉ La dynamique d'occupation des terres constitue un préalable pour l'identification des contraintes de gestion des ressources naturelles, l'évolution de pratiques agraires et la croissance démographique. L'objectif de cette recherche est d'améliorer les connaissances sur la dynamique d'occupation des terres agricoles dans les zones de cultures sèches (Cinzana) et cotonnière (Kléla) au Mali. La méthodologie utilisée a consisté à la collecte des données planimétriques et à l'analyse diachronique à travers des images satellitaires Landsat TM (Thematic Mapper) de 2000 et OLI (Operational Land Image) de 2020. Les taux de dégradation et de déforestation des formations naturelles ont été calculés d'une part et d'autre part la vitesse et l'intensité des changements ont été évaluées à l'aide des programmes « Pontius matrix 22 et intensity analysis » à partir de la matrice de transition. Les résultats de l'analyse diachronique ont révélé une nette augmentation des superficies des formations anthropiques, notamment celles des champs et jachères au détriment des formations naturelles. Cela s'est manifesté à Cinzana par une augmentation globale des superficies des formations anthropiques de 45% (soit 2,30% par an), et une réduction globale de 45,15% (2,26% par an) des superficies des unités naturelles ; à Kléla par une progression globale de 131% (soit 6,54%/an) des champs et jachères au détriment des formations naturelles qui ont subi une réduction de 95% (soit 4,76% par an) entre 2000 et 2020. En somme, l'évolution des unités paysagères dans la zone de recherche entre 2000 et 2020 présage une anthropisation à outrance des formations naturelles, ce qui pourrait compromettre la durabilité de ces formations, avec un risque de perte des services écosystémiques et de la productivité agricole. L'étude recommande l'utilisation des pratiques agroécologiques, la facilitation de l'accès aux technologies agricoles, aux services d'encadrement dans une perspective d'intensification agricole. Les mesures politiques dans le sens d'une transition agroécologique doivent être encouragées. Land use dynamics is a prerequisite for identifying natural resource management constraints, the evolution of agrarian practices and population growth. The objective of this research is to improve knowledge of the dynamics of agricultural land use in the dryland (Cinzana) and cotton (Kléla) areas of Mali. The methodology used consisted of planimetric data collection and diachronic analysis using Landsat TM (Thematic Mapper) satellite images from 2000 and OLI (Operational Land Image) from 2020. Degradation and deforestation rates of natural formations were calculated on the one hand, and on the other hand, the speed and intensity of changes were evaluated using the Pontius matrix22 and intensity analysis programs from the transition matrix. The results of the diachronic analysis revealed a clear increase in the area of anthropogenic formations, especially fields and fallow land, at the expense of natural formations. In Cinzana, this was reflected in an overall increase in the area of anthropogenic formations of 45% (i.e. 2.30% per year) and an overall reduction of 45.15% (2.26% per year) in the area of natural units. In Kléla, there was an overall increase of 131% (i.e. 6.54% per year) in the area of fields and fallow land to the detriment of natural formations, which underwent a reduction of 95% (i.e. 4.76% per year) between 2000 and 2020. Definitely, the evolution of landscape units in the research area between 2000 and 2020 points to excessive anthropization of natural formations, which could compromise the sustainability of these formations, with a risk to ecosystem services and agricultural productivity lost. The study recommends the use of agro-ecological practices, and the facilitation of access to agricultural technologies and support services with a view to agricultural intensification. Policy measures to promote an agro-ecological transition should be encouraged. Graphic Abstract MOTS CLÉS [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis) was presumed extirpated from Idjwi Island, Lake Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to widespread deforestation and habitat fragmentation in recent decades. This study confirms the presence of a small, isolated, population of at least 50 C. mitis individuals using camera traps and direct observation. Scan sampling was used to assess C. mitis feeding and vigilance behaviors in the remnant Bulolero Forest and adjacent agricultural fields. We also conducted Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) surveys with smallholder farmers affected by C. mitis crop raiding. C. mitis exhibited higher vigilance during crop sowing and harvesting periods due to the presence of farmers. KAP surveys suggested that community attitudes towards C. mitis are generally negative, with the primates perceived as crop predators and opportunistically hunted for bushmeat. This study sets the stage for developing community-based conservation strategies to enhance the conservation of C. mitis and its habitat on Idjwi Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study assesses the effect of participatory research on farmers' knowledge and practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Benin. The participatory field experiments were carried out during the 2011-2012 cotton growing season, and focused on the development and application of pest management knowledge. Methodology: A "Difference-in-Differences" methodology was used to document the changes in farmers' knowledge and practices across the following season, 2012-2013. Of the 180 cotton growers sampled, 150 took part in the research, while 30 served as the control. Findings: Participation in the research increased farmers' ability to recognise pests and natural enemies and how to use thresholds and apply bio-pesticides. Increase in knowledge did not lead to any modification in the farmers' use of neem oil and the entomopathogen Beauveria, but it did lead to a significant change in threshold-based pesticide applications. Farmers seemed to want to reduce pest management costs, whatever the type of pesticide recommended (conventional or bio-based). Practical Implications: Development practitioners should be aware that changes in practices of IPM are not only knowledge driven. Other factors such as financial consideration and specific input availability are also needed for the success of an effective pest management strategy. Originality/Value: In any interactive process, the Difference-in-Differences methodology is an appropriate tool for an effective assessment of changes in farmers' knowledge and practices over time.

In the context of Africa’s farm labor scarcity, the use of mechanization is crucial for agricultural development. In Benin, technological advances, such as animal traction and motorization, are struggling to achieve the success expected by producers. The objective of this research was to analyze the drivers of mechanization in cotton production in Benin. Data collected from 482 cotton producers in three agroecological zones of the country were analyzed using a multinomial Logit model. The results revealed that 34% of cotton producers used hand tools, compared to 31% using draught animals and 35% using tractors. Variables such as education level, area cropped, access to land, access to credit and agroecological zone had a positive influence on the probability of using mechanization in the cotton production. Family labor size per household had a negative influence on the probability of using farm mechanization. Women were more likely to use farm mechanization than men. This research suggests that mechanization policies should adapt agricultural equipment to the specificities of the production systems of each agroecological zone, and strengthen land tenure security and access to credit, particularly for women cotton producers.

West Africa is facing the challenge of its population’s food insecurity in a context of accelerated degradation of natural resources. In order to efficiently face this double bottleneck, agroecological interventions were implemented as a way to promote best agricultural practices. Agroecology is a mode of production that nowadays questions our food system which, despite technological progress, still struggles to feed the world’s population. This systematic review is part of the vision of a deep agroecology and aims at analyzing the institutional, political, organizational, and social obstacles and levers for an agroecological transition and its amplification in Burkina Faso and Benin. For this purpose, a structured literature review was conducted using grey and published literature. It appears that despite the mitigated results of the implementation of the Green Revolution model of agricultural production in West Africa, African public authorities seem to have placed once again their faith in conventional production practices to respond to the challenges facing agriculture in the region. This situation goes beyond the regional framework to take root at the national level, (e.g., Burkina Faso, Benin), with the corollary of an apparent lack of institutional interest in sustainable modes of production. However, there is a network of stakeholders who are developing promising initiatives for scaling up agroecological practices.

Rapid global urbanisation has seen a growing number of urban poor who lack natural endowments to cope with food shortages. Broadening their safety nets merits urgent political attention but requires understanding their profiles. A survey among 88 urban poor in Benin found that they had low educational and income levels, overcrowded and unsanitary housing conditions, and limited access to social services and health facilities; 76 per cent of them were food insecure, influenced by city, gender, ownership of a motorbike, and access to health facilities. Engaging them in allotment gardens requires farming skills, financial capital, and safety issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examined how key entrepreneurial orientation (EO) dimensions influence business performance of young women agribusiness owners, as well as the moderating effects of social and business environments on these relationships. Data were collected from a sample of 365 young women agri-food processing business owners in Benin. Moderated multiple regression methods were used to test multiple hypotheses including the interaction effects of social and business environments. The three EO dimensions identified in the context of young women agribusiness owners, namely Innovative EO, Pro-active EO and Risk-taking EO, positively influence business performance. The joint effect of EO and social environment on business performance was not significant. In contrast, the business environment negatively moderates the relationship between EO and business performance. Furthermore, there is a three-way interaction between EO, social and business environments, such that these young women entrepreneurs achieve low level of performance when adopting EO in social and business environments with high levels of barriers. The training of potential young women agribusiness owners on the appropriate EO, and the establishment of an innovation platform to jointly draft and implement action plans could enhance the performance of young women agribusiness owners. This study provides a critical understanding of what EO dimensions to stimulate for increased economic success of young women agribusiness owners. It also highlights the specific conditions for the effectiveness of EO on business performance of these entrepreneurs in developing contexts such as Benin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sub-Saharan Africa, where the professional insertion of graduates remains a major challenge, entrepreneurship represents an alternative to youth unemployment. This study investigates the predictors of agribusiness entrepreneurial intentions amongst undergraduate agricultural students in the Republic of Benin. A sample of 351 final year agricultural students was selected from universities. The data were collected through structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression. The findings showed that 44.16% of respondents were willing to start their own agribusiness venture after graduation with a preference for agro-processing enterprises (35.48%) and crop production enterprises (26.45%). The significant factors that influence agricultural students' entrepreneurial intention in agribusiness were age, their major field of study, type of university attended, previous experience in agribusiness, a role model as a friend, and perception of agribusiness environment. The study suggests the establishment of clubs for agribusiness entrepreneurship in agricultural faculties and universities; showcasing of young entrepreneurs in agribusiness through national competitions, and events, such as "Agri-Enterprise Week" at universities, inviting young agribusiness entrepreneurs to share their experiences with the students in the next generation as guests lecturer; and the creation by the government of a conducive agribusiness environment for youth graduates. In the light of these insights, several paths for future research emerge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]