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Organic cotton relies on ecological processes and the use of natural resources to sustain the production system, unlike conventional cotton, mainly characterized by massive utilization of synthesis chemicals. In West Africa, where rural livelihoods are particularly vulnerable, organic cotton is expected to contribute not only to poverty reduction but also to strengthen households' resilience. The objective of this study was to assess institutional and socioeconomic factors determining farmers' decisions to adopt organic cotton. For this purpose, we applied a probit model on empirical data collected from producers of the Centre and the Northern parts of Benin. Overall, we found that organic cotton adoption is mainly determined by farmers' socioeconomic characteristics, the physical distance between farm and house, and contact with extension and advisory services. Organic farming is more attractive to women compared to conventional farming. This because such type of cotton farming enables women to hold a separate cotton farm and thus increase their economic independence, whereas with the conventional system they depend mainly on the farm of the (male) head of the household. Older, less educated and low-income farmers who express environmental concern are more likely to adopt organic cotton. Subsequently, organic cotton should be considered as a prospective policy option to reach the poor and strengthen their livelihoods conditions while contributing to preserve the environment and natural resources. Furthermore, farmers who have their farm near home are more likely to adopt organic farming than those who have the farm far from their home. It also came out that organic farmers have more contacts with advisory and extension services. Finally, the study noted that there is still a need to enhance the extension system by: (1) exploring, designing, and upgrading innovative pedagogic tools such as videos and mobile phone technology to foster learning; and (2) strengthening organic farmer's organizations and the linkage with agricultural research organizations for technology development.

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This study has sought to explore farmers' perceptions of the environmental externalities of cotton production in Benin and the factors influencing the level of perception. Data were collected in northern Benin from 387 randomly selected households (189 organics and 198 conventional). The perception index has been modeled using a Tobit model to analysis the factors that determine perception. The findings reveal that organic producers have a better perception of the environmental externalities of cotton production. Decline in soil fertility is the most perceived negative externality. The factors determining perception are male sex, education level, household size, contact with extension, training on production practices, adoption of organic cotton, experience with the negative effect of pesticides, level of soil degradation and fertility. These results highlight the importance of training and awareness programs regarding good production practices.

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Background Apiculture faces many constraints including the use of agrochemicals. Chronic exposure to chemical pesticide use results in the loss of honeybee colonies and alters detoxification mechanisms and immune responses, driving them more susceptible to parasites. This study aims at investigating the impact of agrochemical use on honeybee community and honey production in northern Benin. Methods For this purpose, 100 beekeepers were surveyed using a survey questionnaire. Information on treated crops, the distance of beehives from these crops, the effect of insecticides and herbicides, adaptation patterns and honey production were collected through individual interviews. Socio-demographic data and farmer’s knowledge on agrochemical uses and their impacts on honeybee communities were determined. Information were also collected on alternative methods to agrochemicals, beehive types and honey taste. Results Apicultural investigations have shown that chemical pesticides were applied in fields of crops and that beehives were mostly located near treated fields. The most used chemical pesticides were Kalach (glyphosate), Callifor G (glyphosate, fluometuron, prometyn), Atrazila 80 wp (atrazin), Herbextra (glyphosate) and Cotonix (deltamethrin and chlorpyriphos). The majority of beekeepers (79%) recognize the effect of pesticides and use alternatives to pesticides to reduce the risk. In general, 49% of beekeepers found the decrease in the big breed of bees and 40% that of the small breed. The honey production was higher when the beehives were installed far from the treated fields. Conclusion and implications: This study allowed to knowing the direct and indirect effects of the agrochemical use on beekeeping. Alternative pest management methods to the pesticide use practiced by farmers would lead to sustainable improvements of honey production in Benin.