Determinants of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] production system in Benin

Abstract

Present study was conducted to analyze the soybean production system in Benin. Data were collected from 324 soybean producers selected from the three major soybean-producing agro-ecological areas i.e. agro-ecological zone 3 (southern Borgou), agro-ecological zone 4 (West Atacora) and agro-ecological zone 5 (Cotton zone of the Centre of Benin). A participatory research approach with group discussions followed by individual interviews was carried out for extracting the information from respondents. Information mainly referred to the socio-demographic characteristics of soybean producers, production practices, extent of yields and constraints. Descriptive statistics were then used to analyze the data. Ordered Probit regression was further carried out to assess the determinants of soybean yield levels in Benin. Results of this study revealed that soybean producers of the three agro ecological zones have most of the common demographic characteristics. They equally revealed that farmers do not follow correct soybean cropping practices. Improved seeds, plant density, fertilizers, fallow, and sex of farmers have significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001) influenced the yields of soybean in Benin. Within the context of sustainable agricultural production practices, it is recommended to develop appropriate technologies for soybean cultivation. The extension services should focus more on the appropriate combination of input resources which are found to contribute more to the soybean production.

Factors affecting farmers participation in contract farming: The case of soybean producers in the eastern corridor of the northern region of Ghana

“…Men also have more access to information in the study area than women, which allows them to look for ways to boost productivity. This is consistent with the findings of Zoundji et al (2015) which concluded that, soybean cultivation is dominated by males. Saïdou et al (2007) argued that males are normally landowners; they also inherit land from their parents much more than their female counterparts.…”

Government Institutional Support in Increasing the Productivity of Soybean Seed Breeders Indonesia

“…These results mean that education level has a negative impact on the efficiency of the soybean seed breeder farming. The findings of this study show a negative relationship between education levels to increasing efficiency which are in line with the findings of Zoundji et al (2015) who also found the impact of education levels are negatively related to soybean farming efficiency. Based on this finding, it can be seen that education level in soybean farming does not play a significant role in determining the technical procurement of farming well.…”

Economic analysis of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and soybean (Glycine max) as intercropping plants in two agroforestry systems

“…In addition, Riska (2014) surveyed 30 respondents to analyze the production and profit of A. hypogaea farm. Zoundji et al (2015) selected 324 soybean producers as respondents.…”

“…Meanwhile, Zoundji et al (2015) found that 60.5%, 28.1%, and 11.4% of the soybean farmers in Benin had low (< 700 kg ha -1 ), medium (between 700 and 1,000 kg ha -1 ), and high (> 1,000 kg ha -1 ) yield level, respectively (Table 6). The soybean grain yields obtained after harvest are inferior to 1,000 kg ha -1 for the majority of respondents.…”

“…Dogbe et al (2013) explained several factors could account for the low levels of productivity of G. max including poor soil health, pest, and diseases, unfavorable weather conditions, inadequate and untimely access to agro-inputs, equipment, and labor. According to Zoundji et al (2015), yield level is significantly determined by gender issues. Technical factors such as the use of improved G. max varieties, the use of fertilizers, the plant density, and the practice of fallow in the cropping system have significantly and positively determined the level of yields.…”