Determinants of adoption of good practices of sustainable land management practices in a changing climate in northern Benin: The case of organic manure

Abstract

Declining soil fertility is one of the most important problems affecting agricultural production in the northern part of Benin. In response to this phenomenon, farmers adapt themselves by adopting good sustainable land management (SLM) practices, like the use of organic manure. This study aims at identifying socio-economic factors that affect the adoption of organic manure in the face of declining soil fertility in a changing climate in the municipal areas of Bembereke and Sinende. A total of 230 farmers producing maize were sampled and interviewed. The Logit model was used as the main analytical tool. Generally, producers perceive climate change effects on soils through: decreased fertility, changes in color of soil, increased erosion and destruction of soil structure. Model results show that, variables such as age of farmer, number of draft oxen, level of formal education; contact with agricultural extension services, experience in maize production; distance between the producer‟s field and home, are factors that significantly influence the adoption of organic manure. However, improving contact with agricultural extension services could increase the rate of adoption of this strategy.