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This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of 12 guinea fowl phenotypes from three climatic zones (Guinean, Sudano-Guinean and Sudanian) of Benin. A total of 96 adult guinea fowl, aged at least 6 months, were selected for blood sampling. Fragment analysis was carried out using 17 polymorphic microsatellite markers. The informative marker combinations revealed a total of 83 alleles across all loci, with an average of 5 alleles per locus and a mean polymorphic information content (PIC) of 0.793. This study showed an observed heterozygosity of 0.492. The inbreeding coefficient values ranged from −0.086 in white phenotype to 0.226 in cinnamon, showing a deficit of heterozygotes, suggesting a moderate inbreeding level. A relatively low population differentiation was observed, with a mean fixation index (Fst) value of 0.033. The short genetic distances between phenotypes, unlike the strong genetic identities, revealed high genetic proximity between the 12 phenotypes of indigenous guinea fowl in Benin. These data indicate the existence of a single indigenous guinea fowl population with high intra-population genetic diversity with respect to climatic zones or phenotypes. This study will help in the selection of parental breeding stock for genetic improvement programs, as well as in the conservation for biodiversity maintenance and sustainable use of the indigenous guinea fowl in the study zones in Benin.

The physico-chemical quality of these water masses in this system determines the biological production and consequently the development of the socio-economic activities of this environment. The objective of this study is to analyze the physico-chemical parameters and to assess the occurrence and abundance of fish species caught during dredging in order to deduce its effects on the hydrosystem.The physico-chemical parameters considered are pH, salinity (mg/l), turbidity (NTU), suspended solids MES (mg/L), transparency (cm) and dissolved oxygen (mg/ L), with an inventory of the species caught in the dredging area.At the end of the results, it mainly emerges that: (i) the pH and the salinity vary very little under the effect of the dredging while the TDS, the turbidity and the suspended solids are strongly influenced by the dredging and especially the discharge sediments. Thus, there is a downward trend in transparency of 55.50% on average against a suspended matter of +90.50% and a turbidity of +68.50% increasing. This influences dissolved oxygen. However, these variations are temporary and its expansion is very limited due to the variation of the tides (high and low). The evolution of dredges in water gives a new order of spatial distribution of fish species according to their character of dependence and/or tolerance to turbid waters and sometimes low in dissolved oxygen. The repopulation of marine species in the dredged environment is an indicator of an ecosystem suitable for the life biology of formerly extinct species., The 28th IUGG General Assembly (IUGG2023) (Berlin 2023)

The Ouémé River basin extends over almost half of Benin's territory, entirely located in a humid tropical climate. This river system includes a deltaic zone (delta of the Ouémé) known for its high agricultural potential and thus subject to a socio-economic development agenda. The Ouémé delta is facing recurrent floods that maintain rural agricultural population into a retrograding crisis with significant damages such as losses of properties. The objective of this study is to improve decision-making in the Ouémé basin through the simulation of exceptional floods using the HEC-RAS model.The HEC RAS model is a conceptual model, which works through mathematical and physical formulas to implement environmental phenomena for forecasting, understanding and analysis purposes. The model inputs used are basin GIS data, hydro-meteorological data, characteristics of existing hydraulic structures, etc. The targeted outputs include 1D/2D/3D view plans with support of satellite images, tables, graphs and curves. It is worth mentioning that the model provides outputs compatible with other tools, such as civil engineering (Civil 3D, Revit, Infraworks, etc.) and GIS, that help to expand the valorization fields.The implementation of the model in the Ouémé basin has made it possible to note: (i) that the recurring effect of losses and damages is justified by the settlement of the population on the river banks; (ii) that there is an important agricultural production in areas of high flood risk; (iii) that depending on the occurrence of the phenomenon, the flooded extent and the height of submersion remains variable, and more important for extreme flooding; (iv) about 12.07% occurrence of river flood against 13.24% for flash flood at a return period of 30 years. Moreover, it is very relevant to note that most of flood waters converge to the western part of the basin (an area with a low risk of flooding, stretched over 63.68 km²) and to the eastern part around the Damè-Wogon depression (an area at high risk of flooding, stretched over 10.49 km²).Key words: Ouémé River Basin, HEC-RAS ​​model, exceptional flood, Return period

L’agroforesterie à base de l’anacardier entre progressivement dans les habitudes culturales des populations du Centre du Bénin. La durabilité de cette pratique culturale, plus conservatrice des écosystèmes naturels, dépend du rendement de l’anacardier lequel rendement résulte, entre autres, de conditions climatiques convenables. Les scénarios synthétique et analogue sec sont utilisés pour décrire la physionomie du climat futur de la région d’étude à l’horizon 2050 au regard des données de la période 1971-2000. Les résultats obtenus sont comparées aux normes écologiques de l’anacardier Les hauteurs pluviométriques saisonnières et annuelles baisseront (entre 11 et 30 %) tandis que les températures les valeurs de l’évapotranspiration potentielle et de l’indice de stress agroclimatique (ISA) augmenteront (entre 1,5 à 2°C pour la température et entre 12 et 17 % pour l’ISA). Dans un tel contexte, le rendement de l’anacardier se trouverait réduit de 14 à 23 % par rapport au rendement moyen actuel. Les producteurs pourraient donc être démotivés et même être tentés d’abandonner la pratique agroforestière basée sur l’anacardier. L’adoption de densité d’anacardier plus raisonnable et la mise au point de variétés plus tolérantes aux stress hydriques sont les principales mesures d’atténuation proposées. The agroforestery containing the cashew tree enters gradually the farming practices of the populations of the Center of the Benin. The durability of this cultivation method, more preserving on the natural ecosystems, depends on the output of the cashew tree which output results inter alia, of suitable climates conditions. The synthetic scenario and the dry similar scenario are used to describe the aspect of the future climate of the area of study by 2050 in comparison with the data of the period 1971-2000. The results obtained are compared with the ecological standards of the cashew tree. The seasonal and annual rainy heights will drop (between 11 and 30 %) while the temperatures, the values of the potential evapotranspiration and the index of stress agroclimatic (ISA) will increase (between 1.5 with 2°C for the temperature and between 12 and 17 % for the ISA). In such a context, the output of the cashew tree would be reduced from 14 to 23 % compared to the current average output. The producers could be even tempted to give up the agroforestery practice. The adoption of density of more reasonable cashew tree and the development of more tolerant varieties to the hydrous stresses were the principal measures of attenuation suggested.&nbsp

The aim of the study was to assess the challenges and prospects of cattle artificial insemination (AI) in Burkina Faso. Data were collected from 50 farms in the peri-urban area of Bobo-Dioulasso. The results show that AI is used by 40.4% of the respondents and 42.1% of them use both strategies (natural and induced estrus) of AI improvement to optimize their chance of success. These producers are gradually moving towards AI over natural estrus which they describe as better. The average cost of AI with state AI services was XOF 12 500 for natural estrus and XOF 17 500 for induced estrus, and about XOF 30 000 to 50 000 with private AI providers. The success rate of AI was 32.5%. The use of AI had a significant positive effect on milk production. Producers stated that AI was a good method of improving cattle production. Three groups of producers emerged based on their level of AI practice. Several constraints limit AI adoption. It is important to reconsider the opinions of farmers who are the first to be concerned in the implementation of the new innovation strategies of animal production, in order to achieve the goals of food and nutritional self-sufficiency.

Grain size, sorting, skewness, and kurtosis studies are of great importance in order to texturally characterize the sedimentary environments. These parameters are useful in order to characterize th...

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.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of thermal stress on haematological profile and carcass yield of guinea fowl (GF). A total of 180 one-day old GF keets were assigned to 3 treatments, having 4 replicates of 15 birds each. The treatments were: control (T1); mild heat stress for 6h/day (T2), and high heat stress for 8h/day (T3). Data were collected on weekly body weights, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of the birds. At 6-weeks old, blood samples were collected from 8 GF for determination of haematological profile. At 14-weeks old, 8 birds were also slaughtered per treatment to evaluate relative organ weights, carcass characteristics and immune response. Results showed that the body weight gain and feed intake of the birds of T1 and T2 were similar and significantly higher than that of T3 at week 1 of age. The FCR of the birds in T1 and T2 were also better at this stage. Lymphocyte counts were higher (p3/mL) than those of the control (93.33 103/mL) and T3 (93.33 103/mL). 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La filiere du coton conventionnel est l’une des filieres prioritaires du secteur agricole beninois. Cette activite, bien qu’etant l’une des activites agricoles piliers du developpement economique beninois, n’est pas sans impacts negatifs sur l’environnement. En effet, les pratiques actuelles des cotonculteurs dans le bassin versant de l’Alibori liees a une mauvaise utilisation des intrants (engrais et pesticides) a des fins agricoles sont sources de degradation de la qualite des eaux et par consequence de l’etat de sante des populations. La presente recherche analyse des impacts de la production du coton conventionnel sur la qualite des eaux dans le bassin versant de l’Alibori. Les echantillons d’eau ont ete preleves et analyses en saison seche (decembre 2016) et en saison pluvieuse (aout 2017) au niveau de seize (16) sites en eaux de surface, six (6) sites en eaux de puits/forages. Les impacts ont ete analyses par la matrice de Leopold et al. (1971) croisee avec le guide, adapte par l'Agence Beninoise pour l'Environnement (ABE, 1998). Ces differentes methodes utilisees ont ete appuyees par les enquetes socio-economiques sur le terrain. Les resultats montrent la presence des metaux lourds (cadmium et plomb) dans toutes les eaux des puits et de surface en saison pluvieuse (cadmium et le plomb). Ceci s’explique par les apports des produits chimiques par le ruissellement superficiel vers la nappe phreatique et des eaux de surface. Par exemple le cadmium a atteint 60 μg/L alors que la norme est de 5 μg/L. Selon les resultats d’enquetes aupres des cotonculteurs, ces metaux lourds absorbes provoquent chez l’homme desmaladies comme les maux de ventre selon 16,67 %, les maux des yeux pour 0,34 %, la diarrhee par 11,90 %, les problemes de respiration aux dires de 5,78 %, la toux pour 3,40 %, le rhume selon 2,72 %, les infections selon 2,72 %, le paludisme selon 14,29 % et les maux de tete par 42,18 %. The conventional cotton sector is one of the priority sectors of Benin's agricultural sector. This activity, although one of the agricultural activities that are pillars of Benin's economic development, is not without negative impacts on the environment. Indeed, the current practices of cotton growers in the Alibori watershed, linked to the poor use of inputs (fertilisers and pesticides) for agricultural purposes, are a source of degradation of water quality and consequently of the state of health of the populations. This research analyses the impacts of conventional cotton production on water quality in the Alibori catchment area.Water samples were taken and analysed during the dry season (December 2016) and the rainy season (August 2017) at sixteen (16) surface water sites and six (6) well water/borehole sites. The impacts were analysed using the matrix of Leopold et al (1971) crossed with the guide, adapted by the Benin Environment Agency (ABE, 1998). These different methods were supported by socio-economic field surveys. The results show the presence of heavy metals (cadmiumand lead) in all well and surface water during the rainy season. This is due to chemical inputs from surface runoff to groundwater and surface water. For example, cadmium has reached 60 μg/L while the standard is 5 μg/L. According to the results of surveys of cotton growers, these absorbed heavy metals cause illnesses in humans such as stomach aches (16.67 per cent), eye aches (0.34 per cent), diarrhoea (11.90 per cent), breathing problems (5.78 per cent), coughs (3.40 per cent), colds (2.72 per cent), infections (2.72 per cent), malaria (14.29 per cent) and headaches (42.18 per cent).

Additional file 3. Data collection guide.

The world’s coastlines are shaped by mean sea level, wave conditions and storm surge. Climate change driven variations in these environmental forcing’s will inevitably have a profound effect on the coastal zone. They will result in unprecedented coastal recession, threatening billions of dollars worth of coastal developments and infrastructure. Coastal erosion is observed in some locations along Atlantic alluvial plain (Kenitra coastal (Morocco)) and is an important factor to consider for the coastal zone management. Therefore, for coastal recession estimates are obtained via the simple, deterministic method (Bruun rule) especially, that has been widely used over the last 50 years. It is in widespread contemporary use at a global scale both as a management tool and as a scientific concept. We investigated the potential erosion at the site and the result was very important. The result shows a severe erosion of the 21st century.

The study aims to analyze the performance criteria of the GR4J model to reproduce high water flows in the Ouémé watershed at Bonou's outlet which has been vulnerable to climate change in recent decades. The methodology focused on the use of daily climatological and hydrometric data extracted from files of National Directorate of Meteorology, and General Directorate of Water; they were supplemented by those of SIEREM/HSM dataset over the period 1961-2015. The rainfall was regionalized using Thiessen method. The performance of the GR4J model was assessed with NSE, RMSE and KGE criteria. The results indicate that the study area is marked by rainfall variabilities and detection of two breakpoints (1968 and 1987) which divide the series into three sub-periods; these discontinuities have repercussions on the streamflow. It's found that GR4J model overestimates the streamflow during the low water period and underestimates them in high water. However, the efficiency and performance criteria NSE, RMSE and KGE calculated on high water flow rates are better in calibration than in validation. The KGE values are range between 83-85% in calibration and 56-68% during validation, which gives to GR4J model the efficiency and performance to reproduce high flow rates in the study area.

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Objectif: L’usage de Ocimum gratissimum Lamiaceae (Basilic tropical) est très répandu au Bénin. Cette utilisation repose sur les connaissances empiriques des populations. Il est légitime de se demander si les vertus attribuées à cette plante reposent sur des bases scientifiques et sa consommation sans conséquences néfastes pour la santé humaine.Méthodologie et résultats: Une étude ethnobotanique a ciblé les vendeurs de légumes feuilles des trois principaux marchés (Dantokpa ; Saint Michel ; Vêdoko), quelques phytothérapeutes, des agents de santé et des consommateurs de Cotonou la capitale de la République du Bénin. Elle a été complétée par une étude phytochimique basée sur des réactions de précipitations différentielles, complétée par le dosage des métaux lourds (Plomb ; Cadmium), de quelques éléments nutritifs et oligo-éléments par spectrophotométrie d’absorption moléculaire.Il ressort des investigations plusieurs usages de Ocimum gratissimum Linn (médicinal ; alimentaire ; rituel ; chimique ; ornemental). Cette plante renferme plusieurs groupes phytochimique (phénoliques ; azotés ; stéroïdes ; terpènes ; mucilages ; dérivés cyanogéniques), des éléments nutritifs (Protéines ; Azote ; Fer ; Zinc ; Cuivre). Par ailleurs, nos résultats montrent la présence de métaux lourds (Plomb ; Cadmium) dans des concentrations supérieures aux normes OMS.Conclusion et application des résultats: Les résultats des analyses phytochimiques et nutritionnelles confirment les usages empiriques identifiés lors de l’étude ethnobotanique. Cette plante est un remède dans la prévention et le traitement de certaines maladies, un complément alimentaire, une solution alternative dans la lutte chimique. Toutefois, la présence des Éléments Traces Métalliques avec des concentrations supérieures aux normes OMS traduit un risque potentiel pour la santé humaine. Il urge pour l’état central, les partenaires sociaux et la communauté scientifique de repenser la production de Ocimum gratissimum Linn de qualité phytosanitaire acceptable afin de garantir à la population l’usage sans risque de cette Plante Médicinale a caractère de Légumes feuilles, gage de bonne santé et de Développement Durable.Mots clés: Ocimum gratissimum ; Légume feuille ; Plante médicinale ; Ethnobotanique ; Cotonou ; BéninEnglish AbstractObjective: The use of Ocimum gratissimum Lamiaceae (African Basil) is widespread in Benin. This study evaluated whether the virtues attributed to this plant are focused on rational basis and that its consumption is without adverse consequences for human health.Methodology and Results: An ethnobotanical study targeting leaves from vegetable vendors in the three major markets (Dantokpa ; Saint Michel ; Vêdoko), some herbalists, health workers and consumers was conducted in Cotonou the capital city of Benin. A phytochemical study based on differential precipitation reactions was carried out, supplemented by the determination of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) and some nutrients by molecular absorption spectrophotometry.The investigations revealed several uses of Ocimum gratissimum Linn (Lamiaceae) i.e medicinal, food, ritual, chemical and ornamental. It contains phytochemicals compound such as phenolic; nitrogen; steroids; terpenes; mucilage; derived cyanogenic and several nutrients (protein; Nitrogen; Iron; Zinc; Copper). The results also reveal the presence of heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in concentrations above the WHO standards.Conclusion and implementation of the results: The results of phytochemical and nutritional analyzes confirmed the empirical uses identified in the ethnobotanical study. This plant is a remedy in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases, an excellent dietary supplement, and an alternative to chemical control. The presence of Trace of Elements Metals with concentrations higher than the WHO standards reflects a potential risk to human health. It is urgent for the central state, the social partners and the scientific community to rethink the production of Ocimum gratissimum Linn of acceptable phytosanitary quality in order to guarantee to the population the safe use of this Medicinal Plant with leafy vegetables, Health and Sustainable Development.Keywords: Ocimum gratissimum ; Leaf vegetable ; Medicinal plant ; Ethnobotany ; Cotonou ; Benin

Objectif: La présente étude, sur Momordica charantia Linn (Cucurbitaceae), communément appelé margose une plante très utilisée pour le traitement de nombreuses maladies, est menée dans la ville de Cotonou au Bénin. Elle vise à vérifier la portée scientifique des usages empiriques que fait la population de cette plante, afin de promouvoir son utilisation sans risque.Méthodologie et résultats: Une étude ethnobotanique est réalisée auprès de 32 vendeurs des trois marchés de plantes médicinales les plus fréquentés de Cotonou. Elle est complétée par une. exploration phytochimique, associée au dosage des métaux lourds et de quelques éléments nutritifs. Les vertus connues de la plante, recensées lors de l’étude ethnobotanique, sont corrélées avec les fractions actives mises en évidence par l’étude phytochimique qui révèle la présence des tanins, flavonoïdes, dérivés anthracéniques, alcaloïdes, stéroïdes, et mucilages. Le plomb et le cadmium sont aussi détectés à des concentrations d’environ neuf et six fois, respectivement, supérieures aux normes de l’Organisation Mondiale de la SantéConclusion et application des résultats: Cette étude a permis de connaitre les usages empiriques que fait la population de cette plante puis de les lier aux substances actives présentes. Ces résultats constituent un outil indispensable dans la mise en place d’une base de données pour la validation scientifique des connaissances traditionnelles des plantes au Bénin. Toutefois, ces recherches révèlent les risques de contamination au plomb et cadmium auxquels la population est soumise dans l’utilisation de Momordica charantia.Mots clés: Momordica charantia ; Ethnobotanique ; Ecotoxicologique ; Cotonou BeninEnglish Title: Ethnobotanical and phytochemical study of Momordica charantia Linn (Cucurbitaceae) in Cotonou BeninEnglish AbstractObjective: This study, on Momordica charantia Linn (Cucurbitaceae), commonly known as margose a plant widely used for the treatment of many diseases, is conducted in. Cotonou the capital city of Benin. It aims to verify the scientific scope of the empirical uses of this plant.and to promote its safe useMethodology and Results: An ethnobotanical study was conducted among 32 vendors in the three main markets of medicinal plants in Cotonou. In addition, a phytochemical exploration, associated with the determination of heavy metals and some nutrients were also been conducted on this plant. During the ethnobotanical study the known virtues of the plant , are correlated with the active fractions revealed by the phytochemical screening (tannins, flavonoids, anthracene derivatives, alkaloids, steroids, and mucilage). Lead and Cadmium were also detected with concentrations of about nine and six times, respectively, higher than the World Health Organization standards for human nutrition.Conclusion and application of results: This study revealed the correlation between the empirical uses of Mormodica Charantia and the phytochemical study. This study results highlight the importance to establish a database for validation of traditional knowledge of population related to the plants uses However, this research shows the risk of contamination with lead and cadmium which the population is subjected in the use of. Momordica charantia.Keywords: Momordica charantia ; Ethnobotany ; Ecotoxicological ; Cotonou ; Benin