Farmers’ perception of termites in agriculture production and their indigenous utilization in Northwest Benin

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough termites are considered as agricultural pests, they play an important role in maintaining the ecosystem. Therefore, it matters to investigate the farmers’ perception of the impacts of the termites on the agriculture and their indigenous utilization.MethodsA semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 94 farmers through 10 villages of Atacora department, in the northwestern region of Benin, to obtain information for the development of successful strategies of termite management and conservation. Their perceptions on the importance and management of termites along with the indigenous nomenclature and utilization of termite mounds were assessed. Termite species identified by farmers were collected and preserved in 80% alcohol for identification.ResultsEight crops were identified by farmers as susceptible to termites with maize, sorghum, and yam as being the most susceptible. According to farmers, the susceptibility to termites of these crops is due to their high-water content and sweet taste. A total of 27 vernacular names of termites were recorded corresponding to 10 species, Amitermes evuncifer, Macrotermes subhyalinus, and Trinervitermes oeconomus being the most damaging termite species. All the names given to termite species had a meaning. The drought was identified by farmers as the main factor favouring termite attacks. Demolition of termite mounds in the fields was the most commonly reported control method. Salt and other pesticides were commonly used by farmers to protect stored farm products. The lack of effective control methods is the main constraint for termite management. In northwestern Benin, farmers reported different purpose utilizations of termite mounds and termites.ConclusionsThe study has shown that farmers perceived termites as pests of several agricultural crops and apply various indigenous control practices whose efficiency need to be verified. Utilization of termites and termite mound soil as food and medicinal resources underlines the need for a more focused approach to termite control for the conservation of non-pest termite species. The sensitization of farmers on the importance of termites as well as the development of an integrated control method to combat termite pests proved necessary.

Tillage and crop rotations enhance populations of earthworms, termites, dung beetles and centipedes: evidence from a long-term trial in Zambia

“…It is important to note that termites exhibited a preference for different types of residues. The maize crop residues were definitely preferred over sunn hemp (Yêyinou Loko et al ., 2017), which again is in response to residue quality, C : N ratio and the composition of maize stalks compared with sunn hemp residues.…”

The ecosystem services provided by social insects: traits, management tools and knowledge gaps

“…For example, farmers generally perceive termites as pests of several agricultural crops and apply various indigenous control practices (Yêyinou Loko et al ., 2017). However, these farmers also use some termite species as food and medicinal resources, highlighting the need for a more sophisticated approach to termite control in order to assure the conservation of non‐pest termite species (Yêyinou Loko et al ., 2017). While some farmers can identify several termite species on their farms using their indigenous names, many others lack this knowledge (Yêyinou Loko et al ., 2017).…”

“…However, these farmers also use some termite species as food and medicinal resources, highlighting the need for a more sophisticated approach to termite control in order to assure the conservation of non‐pest termite species (Yêyinou Loko et al ., 2017). While some farmers can identify several termite species on their farms using their indigenous names, many others lack this knowledge (Yêyinou Loko et al ., 2017). Such indigenous taxonomic skills are vital for communication between researchers, extension agents, educators, and farmers for social insect management programmes (Orikiriza, Nyeko & Sekamatte, 2012).…”

Chemical Profile and Antimicrobial Activity of the Fungus-Growing Termite Strain Macrotermes Bellicosus Used in Traditional Medicine in the Republic of Benin

“…Macrotermes bellicosus (Smeathman, 1781), a species belonging to the Macrotermitidae is native to the Republic of Benin where it is considered a natural resource for nutritional, cultural and medicinal purposes. The main consumed castes are winged, soldier and occasionally queen termites for cultural and rituals events [3,4]. In a previous ethnomedicinal survey, it was found that M. bellicosus is mainly used to treat digestive disorders, mumps, snake bites, cough, diarrhea, dysentery and pulmonary infection in different districts of northern Benin [4].…”