Constraints, and Implications of Organic Farming in Bananas and Plantains Production Sustainability in Benin

Abstract

Bananas and plantains production is an important income source for millions of small farmers. The increased demand for bananas and plantains on national and international market would justify its value chain development. However, its value chain faces several constraints, of which production and marketing turn out to be the most important. This study aimed at determining and analyzing the constraints related to Bananas and Plantains value chain and showing the gaps between agroecological and agricultural practices used by farmers in southern Benin. Characterization was carried out on the seed production systems, agricultural practices, bananas and plantains production, fruit availability and commercialization constraints with farmers using individual and focus groups surveys. Bananas and plantains seedlings production and acquisition varied according to production areas. Their seedlings self-production was widespread in production areas and 26 cultivars have been identified as major. The availability of these cultivars varied across time and production areas. There were significant negative effects of agricultural practices on major banana pest's presence. Bananas and plantains production was limited by 12 factors, from which banana plants fall related to the wind, lack of financial support to irrigate banana fields, climate changes, no availability of cultivable How to cite this paper: Dassou, A.G.,

Toward tailored interventions in plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.) industry: Insights from heterogeneity and constraints to plantain-based cropping systems in South-Benin

“…Benin is divided into seven ADHs, of which, three, namely the ADHs 5, 6 and 7 have been selected to conduct a survey ( MAEP, 2017 ). These areas are suitable for banana and plantain cultivation ( Dassou et al, 2021 ) and are part of the “banana belt” identified in the West Africa ( Cauthen et al, 2013 ). Moreso, banana and plantain are highly produced and marketed in the area ( Lokossou & Achigan, 2000 ).…”

“…Moreso, banana and plantain are highly produced and marketed in the area ( Lokossou & Achigan, 2000 ). Similarly to previous studies, five departments were selected within the ADHs visited: Mono, Atlantique, Zou, Ouémé and Plateau ( Chabi et al, 2018 ; Dassou et al, 2021 ; Faï et al, 2018 ; Lokossou et al, 2012a ). Fig.…”

“…Furthermore, the study used the multi-stage random sampling method, from districts to villages. Following previous studies on banana and plantain, 2 districts were selected per department, and 6 villages were selected in each district ( Abiola et al, 2020 ; Chabi et al, 2018 ; Dassou et al, 2021 ). To select plantain farmers, available data sets were collected from the Territorial Agency of Agricultural Development (ATDA) and projects on banana and plantain.…”

“…From a production, mostly self-consumed, plantain production is mostly targeting market. Also, it got more importance between farmers crop choices ( Dassou et al, 2021 ). Consequently, from the backyard garden, plantain production is gradually shifting to more diversified production practices and cropping systems.…”

“…Literature review showed that the existing literature poorly addressed this thematic in banana and plantain production and in Benin ( Abiola et al, 2020 ; Akerele et al, 2019 ; Blazy et al, 2009 ; Chabi et al, 2018 ; Dé et al, 2019 ; Faï et al, 2018 ; Patel et al, 2020 ). As matter of fact, previous studies used the statistical approach ( Ahouangninou et al, 2021 ; Bellamy, 2013 ; Loyola et al, 2018 ), while analyzing in a general way the limiting factors in banana and plantain production ( Akinyemi et al, 2013 ; Baruwa et al, 2015 ; Dassou et al, 2021 ; Muthee et al, 2019 ; Nandwani, 2010 ). Most of studies carried out in Benin are limited to a relatively small territorial scale and these studies have not been carried out at the scale of Agricultural Development Hubs (ADH) which is the new framework for the implementation of agricultural development policies, programs and projects ( MAEP et al, 2017 ).…”