Rainfall variability and market gardening in the municipality of Zogbodomey in South Benin / Variabilité pluviométrique et cultures maraichères dans la commune de Zogbodomey au Sud-Bénin

Abstract

Description of the subject. Market gardening production in sub-Saharan countries like Benin is impacted by climatic hazards. It is in this context that a study was carried out in the Municipality of Zogbodomey. Goals. The objective of this research is to analyze the effects of rainfall variability on market gardening, to identify the constraints linked to market gardening and to propose adaptation measures. Methods. To carry out this research, annual rainfall data from 1941 to 2016 obtained from the National Directorate of Meteorology (Météo-Benin), demographic and socio-economic data from the General Population and Housing Censuses (RGPH) of 2002 and agricultural statistics obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MAEP) over the period 1995-2018 were collected. Farmers' knowledge on the issue of climate variability was analyzed on the basis of surveys conducted among 173 farming households. Results. The results of the study showed an alternation of surplus years (38.16%), average years (11.84%), and dry years (50%) from 1941 to 2016. The consequences of climatic hazards on market gardening are translate into floods, droughts, crop loss, the presence of pests and a drop in agricultural income. Faced with these constraints, endogenous adaptation measures have been implemented.

Conclusion: The sustainability of this agricultural activity is today facing the uncontrolled use of chemical inputs which jeopardize public health and the environment. The lack of supervision and monitoring of market gardeners in the field worsens the situation and exposes producers and consumers to various types of pollution. The promotion of agroecological practices in market gardening in Zogbodomey will improve market gardening production and the income of producers.