Simultaneous modelling of the perception of and adaptation to climate change: The case of the maize producers in northern Benin

Abstract

In Benin, as in most developing countries, farmers are experiencing the need to adapt their farming systems to climate change, developing strategies to sustain their livelihoods. This paper aims at analysing the maize producers' adaptation to climate change. Accordingly, the farmers' perception of and adaptation to climate change were identified in order to analyse the underlining determinants. The study was conducted in the municipal areas of Malanville, Banikoara, Bembéréké, and Natitingou, in northern Benin. A total of 336 farmers producing maize were randomly sampled and were then interviewed. Generally, maize producers in Northern Benin perceive climate change and adapt to it, primarily, through crop diversification and adjustment of cropping practices and agricultural calendar. A Heckman Probit model highlights that experience in agriculture and organisation membership were positively correlated with both perception of and adaptation to climate change. In addition, running a side activity, accessing credit, and having contact with agricultural extension services had positive effects on the farmers' decision to adapt to climate change. Neither the number of household workers in agriculture nor land ownership showed any significant effects on the farmers' decision to adapt to climate change.