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Declining Fishery Resources in Toho Lake in Southern Benin: Perceptions of Fishermen and Effectiveness of Management Practices and Coping Strategies. In southern Benin, declining fishery resources is a major concern that some local populations overcome by developing management and coping strategies. This paper analyzes the perceptions of the evolution of the abundance of fish stocks and the effectiveness of management practices and coping strategies for maintaining a sustainable ecological balance of the Lake Toho in southern Benin. The simple random sampling method was used to select 129 fishermen in Lokossa and Houéyogbé districts around this lake. The Pearson chi-square homogeneity test was performed to analyze changes in fishers' perceptions, while the Kendall's rank-w test was used to analyze perceptions of the effectiveness of management practices and coping strategies. The results show that a large share of fishermen (91.47%) have a negative perception of fish stock changes. Their perceptions vary according to their socio-cultural membership, their age category and their educational level. The fishermen's perceptions of the depletion in fish stocks include: the disappearance of some fish species, the decrease in size of the collected fish, the high price of the fish and the decrease in the abundance of species suitable for drying and smoking process. Several management practices and coping strategies have been developed by fishermen to cope with this decline, including the adoption of income-generating activities other than fishing, the use of regulatory fishing nets, the reduction of hand fishing and the development of fish farming. Fishermen's perceptions vary from village to village.

Abstract Context Palliative care (PC) in most African countries remains under-assessed. Benin has piloted the implementation of a set of indicators proposed by the WHO to measure PC development. Objectives To examine the current status of PC in Benin. Methods A workshop with stakeholders was organized to assess the WHO indicators in the Beninese context. Indicators were rated based on relevance and feasibility, data sources were agreed upon, and a survey was adapted. Data were collected between March and May 2023. Results There is emerging community involvement in PC through the presence of patients’ rights promoters, as well as a political commitment expressed in the National PC strategy, the inclusion of PC services in the list of basic health services, and an assigned national authority –within the Ministry of Health–responsible for PC. Although no PC-oriented research has been documented, the celebration of the National PC Conference represents the first step to ground PC delivery in evidence. The reported annual consumption of opioids is 0.18 (ME) milligrams per capita, 34% of healthcare establishments have essential medicines for pain and PC, and 16.5% of patients with palliative needs have access to oral morphine. To date, no medical or paramedical schools offer PC training, and there is no official specialization in palliative medicine for doctors. PC is provided by 11 specialist teams (0.08/100,000 inhabitants), none of which provides pediatric care. Conclusion Despite growing political, professional, and community commitments to palliative care, there are challenges in education, research, essential medicines, and access to PC services.

Abstract Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are the next generation of green solvents that are considered for their stability and biocompatibility. This study used 10 different DESs synthesized from choline chloride, alcohols, organic acids and sugars. Red beet betalains were extracted using three conventional solvents and DESs. Characterization experiments of DESs suggested that the electrical conductivity, pH, viscosity, water activity, density and chemical structure were greatly affected by the composition of the hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA) and hydrogen bond donors (HBD). Betacyanin, betaxanthin and total betalain contents ranges were 23.68–702.17, 21.49–467.77, and 45.17–1169.94 mg kg−1, respectively, with choline chloride (ChCl): glucose (Glu) (1:2) giving the highest values. ChCl:Glu was chosen for the optimization process considering the molar ratio (ChC = 1:Glu = 0.75–1.75), water content (15–35%) and temperature (30–60 °C) factors for the central composite design. The optimum conditions were recorded as 1:0.75 molar, 30.83% water content, and 30 °C, respectively. Under optimum conditions, the yields of betalain, betacyanin and betaxanthin were found to be 1192.17 ± 23.63, 738.83 ± 17.87, and 453.34 ± 5.93 mg kg−1, respectively. Bioaccessibility analysis and stability tests were performed on the extracts obtained under optimum conditions. Stability tests revealed that the betalains of red beetroot are less stable in the light than in the dark. Bioaccessibility values for betacyanin, betaxanthin, and betalain were found to be 44.67 ± 1.40, 75.02 ± 1.20, and 56.21 ± 1.33%, respectively. Green extraction of betalains from red beetroot using DES, such as ChCl:Glu, is promising for a strong stabilization and high bioaccessibility of betalains. Graphical Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physio-chemical and sensorial qualities of five new parfum rice accessions stored under the farmer’s conditions. To do this, five parfum rice accessions ARA-1, ARA-2, ARA-5, ARA-18 and ARA-23 and two control parfum rice varieties (IR 841 and BRIZ 10B) parboiled and not parboiled were packaged in polypropylene bags and then stored for a period of six months by the producers. The physico-chemical, cooking and sensory qualities of the different rice samples were determined at begin storage (T0), three (T1) and six (T2) months storage, using standard methods. The results showed that except for the moisture content and water activity that have slightly increased during storage, the others physico-chemical parameters didn’t vary significantly (p > 0.05) during the storage for non-parboiled and parboiled rice. Processing parameters such as the ease of cooking perceived by processors for the non-parboiled and parboiled rice samples also did not change after six months of storage. The five accessions of non-parboiled rice were pleasantly appreciated by the tasters with ARA-2 the most appreciated followed by ARA-1, ARA-18, ARA-23, and ARA-5. On the other hand, the parboiled ARA-1 and ARA-23 rice accessions were the most appreciated by 90 % of the panelists.

Insects serve as alternative protein sources for humans. While entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, has deep historical roots in some regions, it remains less common in Benin. Understanding perceptions and determinants of entomophagy can guide actions for promoting the consumption of edible insects. The present study aimed to assess local perceptions of consuming edible insects and the drivers of their adoption. An ethnozoological study using interviews was conducted with 450 individuals from rural and peri‑urban areas in Benin's humid and semi-arid zones. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate inference, and classification models. Findings showed greater acceptance of insects’ consumption in the semi-arid zone (33.56 %) than in the humid zone (23.11 %) and in rural areas (33.11 %) than in peri‑urban areas (23.56 %). Edible insects’ consumption was also higher in rural areas (34.22 %) than in peri‑urban areas (27.11 %), with no significant difference between biogeographical zones. Gender, age, and biogeographical zones were key determinants of local perceptions regarding the consumption of edible insects. Furthermore, factors influencing the decision to adopt the consumption of edible insects included perceptions of their nutritional value, gender, duration of residence, and geographical location. These factors can inform awareness raising about the usefulness of edible insects in promoting their consumption.

Background and aim: Citrus production represents an important activity for the national economy and a source of income for farmers in Benin. However, fungal diseases are a major constraint to production intensification. The aim of this study is to assess farmers’ perceptions on citrus fungal diseases in production areas in Benin. Methods: A survey was conducted among 417 farmers between July and December 2021 in four major citrus-producing agro-ecological zones (zones V, VI, VII and VIII) to collect their perceptions, knowledge and management practices of citrus fungal diseases. Results: Farmers reported that fungal diseases are one of the main constraints to citrus production, including black spot, anthracnose, brown rot, sooty mold and fruit rot. Among them, black spot disease is the most severe, causing damage to production. According to farmers, symptoms appear on fruit after fruit set, with a very remarkable presence and high incidence at maturity. Although farmers are most of times aware of the damage caused by fungal diseases with adverse consequences on their income, they have a poor knowledge of appropriate phytosanitary products to manage these diseases. Indeed, the majority of farmers (>60 %) use chemical insecticides, which they reported to be ineffective against citrus fungal diseases. Although chemical insecticides are their only recourse, almost 40 % use nothing to control these diseases. Farmers stated that climatic variability is a factor favoring the development of diseases, leading to reduced production. Conclusions: Among the several citrus fungal diseases, black spot is perceived as the most damaging, causing greater yield losses under favorable conditions, coupled with an almost total absence of appropriate control methods. This study contributes to the reorganization of the citrus industry and to decision-making on capacity building for farmers in terms of orchard pest protection, in order to guarantee better production of marketable and exportable fruit.

The demand for small ruminants is increasing, but livestock production is not very market oriented. Understanding buyers' preferences allows breeders to orient their production and make more profit. This research aimed to determine the attributes of small ruminants and other specific factors that explain price variations of small ruminants in ordinary period. Twenty-one markets were selected using stratified sampling. Data were collected in these markets on September 2020 from 432 small ruminant transactions between sellers and buyers and analysed with the hedonic regression model. Results showed that the price of goats purchased for slaughter and breeding were respectively 9.4 % and 7.2 % higher than those bought for trade. At the same time, when sheep were purchased for breeding, consumption and catering, their prices were respectively 14.5 %, 10.3 % and 9.4 % higher than those purchased for trade. The attributes weight, age (2–4 years old), sex (female), coat colour (white), body condition (good), breed (sahelian breeds for sheep and djallonke breed for goats) and absence of horn determined significantly and positively the small ruminant's price. In addition to these attributes, the small ruminant prices varied according to type of market and seller, but the buyer had less control over these factors. Thus, it is important to improve attributes preferred by buyers through training for breeders on the control of small ruminant reproduction. These attributes should also be considered when developing strategies to improve the small ruminant sector to transform traditional livestock farming into market-oriented livestock farming. Facilitating access to information through the establishment of functional market information systems will enable breeders to move towards market-oriented livestock systems.

Sumac (Rhus coriaria) is a flowering plant that is widely consumed for its promoting health benefits and used in food preparations as a spice in the Mediterranean region. It is a high shrub or small tree with imparipinnate leaves, villus and red fruits with one-seeded drupe, and small greenish-white flowers. The nutraceutical and pharmaceutical potential of sumac makes it a remarkable functional food. In this review, the phytochemical and nutritional properties of sumac as an under valorized functional food have been discussed. Flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and organic acids have been reported as dominant phytochemicals in sumac, which are well known for their pharmacological properties that attract many consumers to commonly choose sumac in their diet as well as food preparations. The remarkable volatile compounds present in sumac give it a unique aroma that increases its acceptance by consumers and potential use in the food industry. Sumac has been evaluated for a broad range of nutritional and pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anticancer, anti-infertility, and neuroprotective potential. This review has also briefly outlined the safety concerns concerning the use of sumac in terms of toxicology and interactions.

Due to its nutritional and bioactive content, tomato pomace (TP) remains among the world's richest fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes and TP (generated coproduct) are a very rich source of lycopene and other carotenoid compounds and contain an essential amount of polyphenols, policosanol, phytosterols, organic acids, dietary fibers, minerals, and vitamins. TP is a promising source of significant bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Therefore, their consumption is known to be effective in preventing certain chronic diseases. For example, lycopene prevents prostate cancer and acts as a hepatoprotector and genoprotector against mycotoxins, pesticide residues, and heavy metals. Thus, the valorization of TP as a food ingredient can be of great health, economic and environmental interest and contribute to improving nutrition and food security. During the last decades, considerable efforts have been made to valorize TP as a crucial functional ingredient in improving: (i) the nutritional and functional properties, (ii) sensory characteristics and (iii) the shelf life of many foods. The current review aims to update and summarize the knowledge on the recent food applications of TP, particularly its use as a functional ingredient to improve the functional properties and shelf life of foods.

This study aims to determine the value of wood and the share of household income allocated to wood consumption expenses in the mangrove areas of RAMSAR sites 1017 and 1018 in Benin, with a view to better planning reforestation programs in the peripheral areas of RAMSAR sites and reducing pressure on natural forests. Surveys were carried out among 1,060 stakeholders from various trades involved in wood processing (heads of households, housewives, food vendors, firewood collectors and retailers, charcoal manufacturers and retailers, loggers, carpenters and sawyers) in the mangrove areas of the two sites. The results showed that a household spends an average 18 446 Fcfa/year on timber consumption, 8 311 Fcfa/year on service wood, 110 230 Fcfa/year on firewood and 30 295 Fcfa/year on charcoal at RAMSAR site 1017. At site 1018, average expenditure per household is 33,938 CFA francs per year for timber, 17,700 CFA francs per year for service wood, 94,535 CFA francs per year for firewood and 24,090 CFA francs per year for charcoal. The study suggests developing a policy of planting the species used for wood and promoting less costly sources of energy for households.

This research aims to assess the energy input and output involved in corn production in the Elazig province of Turkey in different agricultural systems. This study is interested in energy resource allocation to analyze maize production systems since the value of production inputs and outputs is affected by economic crises as well as the country's politico-economic status. The amounts of energy used for production are still very challenging to change. The typical energy usage of the farms examined in this study is 3359,82 MJda−1, 3715,74 MJda−1, 5366,13 MJda−1 and 6456,24 MJda−1 according to the distance between the water sources and the farms. Of the total mean of energy, 31.06% is direct, 12, 26% is indirect, 14,38% in renewable energy and 42,30% in non-renewable energy. A kilogram of typical maize is thought to require 3,93 MJ of energy in total to produce. Energy used for irrigation makes up most of the input (37.20%), followed by sowing (22.57%) and fertilizer (16.65%). As a result of the benefit-cost ratio analysis is 0.29, the cost of corn production per decare is found to be $112.05/da in the area, with variable costs accounting for 83.17% of the total. The analysis of data reveals that the transformation of 100 kg of corn generates an energy expenditure of 2219.58 MJ and more than 50% of energy expenditure comes from the use of machines.

AbstractLivestock markets are characterised by imperfections, distortions, and efficiency problems that impact livestock marketing. The purpose of this research was to analyse the sheep and goat marketing system in Benin using the structure-conduct-performance (SCP) approach. Primary data were collected from 215 small ruminant traders selected from 21 markets to calculate the market concentration degree, marketing margin, and efficiency. The four largest traders’ concentration ratio (CR4) and Hirschman Herfindahl Index (HHI) show that small ruminant markets have an effective competition structure. These markets were unconcentrated, and barriers to entry were nonexistent, except for trading capital. Small ruminants sold in markets differed according to the animal’s body condition, ecotype, age, sex, and coat colour. These attributes and periods of sale are the main factors that influence pricing. Transport costs, animal feed and care costs, transport, and market taxes were the main transaction costs faced by the traders. The total transaction costs per sheep and goats were estimated at 742.7 ± 530.7 XOF and 663.2 ± 463.6 XOF respectively (XOF is a common and official currency of the eight member states of the West African Economic and Monetary Union. 1 USD = 612,38 XOF). Average marketing margin was 5,869.2 ± 4,357.7 XOF per sheep and 3,851.2 ± 1,597.8 XOF per goat. The marketing efficiency was 78.8% for sheep and 78.9% for goats. This depended significantly on the type of trader, whereby wholesalers were the least efficient. Efficiency, including transaction costs and marketing margins, did not vary significantly between sheep and goats. To improve the efficiency of small ruminant marketing, attention needs to be given to improving the road infrastructure that serves markets and formulating new marketing policies on taxes.

Abstract Background Skilled birth attendance during childbirth is known to promote better pregnancy outcomes as well as contribute to maternal and newborn survival. The study aimed to analyse the progress in the use of skilled birth attendance by pregnant women over the last two decades (2001 to 2017–2018) in Benin, and then to make projections to 2030. Methods A secondary analysis was made using Benin's Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) databases. The study population were i) women of 15–49 years of age who were successfully surveyed and usually resided in the households visited during DHS-II, DHS-III, DHS-IV and DHS-V, ii) and had had at least one live birth in the five years preceding each of these surveys. For each DHS, the corresponding proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel was determined. The study then generated the Annual Percent Change (APC) between each survey and globally, and projections were made to 2030. Results Nationally, the percentage of women who gave birth attended by skilled health personnel was 67.39% in 2001, 76.10% in 2006, 80.87% in 2011–2012, and 79.12% in 2017–2018; this represents an APC = 0.98% between 2001 and 2017–2018. If the historical rate of progression is maintained, it is expected that by 2030, 89.35% of pregnant women will be using skilled birth attendance services. Conclusion Efforts are needed to understand the drivers of skilled birth attendance among pregnant women to adopt appropriate strategies.

Rice Research program of the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Benin (INRAB) has selected five romising aromatic rice accessions in terms of yield performance, resistance to diseases and climate change but their quality is not yet known for a better utilization, hence the objective of this present study. Thus, five promising aromatic rice accessions ARA-1, ARA-2, ARA-5, ARA-18 and ARA-23 and two released aromatic rice varieties used as check (IR 841 and BRIZ 10B) were collected in three localities (Covê, Glazoué and Malanville). Physico-chemical and nutritional characteristics of the rice samples were evaluated using standard methods. The sensory quality was evaluated by a panel of rice farmers. Results showed that the ash contents of white rice varied significantly (P85%) and low (0.1 to 10%) uniformity presence of starch as well as white and parboiled rice. No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed between the swelling rates of the white and parboiled rice samples. Parboiled cooked rice (ARA-2 and ARA-5) and white cooked rice (ARA-2, ARA-18 and ARA-5) were respectively most appreciated by 70% and 65% of the panelist compared to the parboiled and white cooked check varieties, above all because of their high roma, attractive colour, non-sticky appearance and very pleasant taste.

Objectives This study aims to assess the prevalence and factors associated with anal high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV).Design A cross-sectional study conducted from 24 August 2020 to 24 November 2020.Setting Primary care, Cotonou, Benin.Participants 204 HIV-negative men who have sex with men initiating oral pre-exposure prophylaxis.Primary outcome measure Anal HR-HPV genotypes using GeneXpert HPV assay. Fourteen HR-HPV were evaluated: HPV-16 and HPV-18/45 in 2 distinct channels and the 11 other genotypes as a pooled result (31, 33, 35, 39, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68). The potential independent variables analysed included anal gonorrhoea and chlamydia infections, and sociodemographic and sexual behaviour factors. To assess the determinants of HR-HPV, univariate and multivariate Poisson regression models were performed by using SAS V.9.4.Results Mean age±SD was 25.9±4.8 years. 131/204 men claimed insertive sex procured more pleasure. Thirty-two participants, accounting for 15.7% of the study sample, had gonorrhoea and/or chlamydia. The prevalence of any HR-HPV genotype was 36.3% (95% CI 30.0% to 43.0%). In total, 7.8% of men had HPV-16 and 7.4% had HPV-18/45. The prevalence for the pooled genotypes (31, 33, 35, 39, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68) was 29.9%. Receptive anal sex during the last 6 months was strongly associated with prevalent HR-HPV infections. The adjusted proportion ratio (aPR) was 1.93 (95% CI 1.31 to 2.83). Gonorrhoea and chlamydia were also associated with the outcome of interest; p value for both infections was

The productivity of livestock, including small ruminants, in Benin, is very low, and their management practices in terms of feeding, health and reproduction do not ensure their optimal production. This research aimed to assess the willingness of sheep and goat keepers to pay for an improved breeding system. Data collection from 118 sheep and 375 goat breeders selected in six agroecological zones of Benin was undertaken using the choice experiments. The mixed logit model revealed heterogeneity in the preferences of small ruminant keepers for breeds, feeding practices, health treatments and reproductive control. This heterogeneity of preferences was confirmed by the latent class logit model results, which revealed the existence of four classes of sheep breeders and three classes of goat breeders. Irrespective of species, small ruminant breeders were generally willing to use herbal medicine or combine it with modern veterinary medicine and adopt Sahelian breeds or crossbreeds (Sahelian x Djallonke). They were not willing to adapt neither zero grazing nor controlled reproduction. The combination of the coefficient estimates of the latent class logit model and the determinants of class membership showed that herders in southern Benin with small and monospecific herds were the most willing to introduce changes in their breeding system.

Abstract Introduction Since many countries in sub‐Saharan Africa are willing to implement HIV oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for men who have sex with men (MSM), data are needed to assess its feasibility and relevance in real life. The study objectives were to assess drug uptake, adherence, condom use and number of sexual partners, HIV incidence and trends in the prevalence of gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Methods In this oral PrEP demonstration study conducted prospectively in Benin, a combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate‐TDF 300 mg and emtricitabine‐FTC 200 mg (TDF‐FTC) was offered daily or on‐demand to MSM. Participants were recruited from 24 August to 24 November 2020 and followed over 12 months. At enrolment, month‐6 and month‐12, participants answered to a face‐to‐face questionnaire, underwent a physical examination and provided blood samples for HIV, gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Results Overall, 204 HIV‐negative men initiated PrEP. The majority of them (80%) started with daily PrEP. Retention rates at month‐3, 6, 9 and 12 were 96%, 88%, 86% and 85%, respectively. At month‐6 and month‐12, respectively, 49% and 51% of the men on daily PrEP achieved perfect adherence (self‐reported), that is seven pills taken during the last week. For event‐driven PrEP, the corresponding proportions for perfect adherence (last seven at‐risk sexual episodes covered) were 81% and 80%, respectively. The mean number (standard deviation) of male sexual partners over the last 6 months was 2.1 (1.70) at baseline and 1.5 (1.27) at month‐12 (p‐value for trend