Analysis of the foundations of market gardening activity in the Commune of Athiémé (Benin)
Abstract
Vegetable production has been a booming activity in Benin for several years, as in most countries of the West African region. The Beninese state and many other organizations are working together to develop this activity, create jobs and strengthen food security in the country. In rural areas, this agricultural sub-sector is considered one of the important measures to guarantee food security and promote income diversification. However, questions arise about the viability of this form of activity. This study aims to analyze market gardening operations in the Commune of Athiémé in Benin. To achieve this objective, different data collection techniques are used, namely documentary research, observation, interviews and questionnaire surveys with market gardeners and an interview guide administered to local authorities. A sample of 206 market gardeners is questioned. The socio-demographic data of market gardeners and agricultural statistics (areas, production and yields, etc.) are collected. The results obtained showed that market garden production is a highly developed activity in the Commune of Athiémé and is practiced at all times of the year. The most developed methods of accessing land are by inheritance (31.9%) and by purchase (31.9%). Family labor was used most often on market gardening farms (76.21%). For water supply to farms, the dominant systems were those relating to irrigation, the use of rainwater and floodwater. The basic water distribution or irrigation equipment was motor pumps, which was used by 93.57% of market gardeners. For the fertilization, the majority of market gardeners prefer the use of Urea (44.44%) and NPK (35.28%). Only 10.83% use cow purse and poultry dung. For the control of crop pests and diseases, producers use a variety of chemical pesticides. Improved production systems, including training for producers, improved irrigation systems, soil fertilization and plant protection measures will promote the sustainability of vegetable farms.
Keywords
Characterization, vegetable farm, production system, vegetable crops, Athiémé.
References
- Adjatin, A. A., Bonou-Gbo Z., Boco A., Yédomonhan H., Dansi A. (2019). Diversité biologique et caractérisation de l’activité de maraîchage sur le site de Grand-Popo au Sud Bénin. International Journal of Biologie and Chemical Sciences 13(6): 2750-2764. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ijbcs.v13i6.26
- Ahouangninou C. (2013). Durabilité de la production maraîchère au Sud-Bénin : un essai de l’approche écosystémique, Thèse de doctorat, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Ecole doctorale pluridisciplinaire, Bénin. 344 pages.
- Ahouangninou C, T Martin, S Bio-Bangana, J Huat, L Parrot, F Vidogbéna, D Medali, C Houssou, P Edorh, M Boko et B Fayomi, 2013. Characterization and diversity of the market-gardening production systems and theirs interactions with urban and peri urban environment in southern-Benin, West Africa. Continental Journal of Sustainable Development, 4(1): 24-38. https://doi.org/10.5707/cjsd.2013.4.1.24.38
- Ahouangninou C., Fayomi B., Martin T. (2011). Évaluation des risques sanitaires et environnementaux des pratiques phytosanitaires des producteurs maraîchers dans la commune rurale de Tori-Bossito (Sud-Bénin). Cah Agric 20: 216-22. https://doi.org/10.1684/AGR.2011.0485
- Alinsato A., Yagbedo U. (2018). « Analyse d’offre des produits maraîchers au Bénin », Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Bénin. 29 pages.
- Atidegla C. S., Degbo H. E., Azonhè T., Agbossou Kossi E. (2017) Impacts socioéconomiques et sanitaires de l’exploitation agricole de la plaine inondable Todé Gbamè au Bénin. European Scientific, 13(18): 185-203 http://dx.doi.org/10.19044/esj.2017.v13n18p185
- Dossou-Yovo S. (2019). Risques environnementaux et sanitaires liés à la pratique du maraîchage dans la commune de Sèmè-Podji sur le littoral du Bénin : évaluation de la contamination et propositions de stratégies de contrôles, Thèse de doctorat, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, 297 pages.
- Kasanda Mukendi N., Mushagalusa Balasha A., Kitsali J. H., Nkulu Mwine Fyama J., Bogaert J. (2016). Maraichage périurbain à Lubumbashi : modes d’accès à la terre et gestion des superficies agricoles. International Journal of Innovation and Applied Studies ISSN 2028-9324 14 (1). 27-36.
- Kpadenou C. C., Tama C., Dado Tossou B., Yabi A. J., (2019). Déterminants socio-économiques de l’adoption des pratiques agro-écologiques en production maraîchère dans la vallée du Niger au Bénin. International Journal of Biologie and Chemical Sciences 13(7): 3103-3118. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ijbcs.v13i7.11
- Mondé M.-A. (2019). Evaluation des risques environnementaux de l’utilisation des intrants chimiques dans les cultures maraîchères de bas-fonds dans la Commune de Tori-Bossito. Mémoire de Master 2. Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Ecole doctorale pluridisciplinaire, Bénin, 72 pages.
