Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) planting by smallholder farmers in South Benin: typology and policy needs for sustainable wood supply

Abstract

Teak plantations were developed by smallholder farmers in South Benin from the late 1960s. These plantations are managed by coppicing to produce poles, with rotations of 3 to 5 years. But since the early 2000s, teak plantations are being removed. The study was carried out to assess the place of teak in the farming system and policy needs for smallholder forestry. It included formal interviews and focus group discussions with 123 teak planters in Tori-Bossito district. Teak planters included three types of farmers: absentee farmers, large full-time farmers, and small full-time farmers, representing respectively 11%, 56%, and 33% of the sample. The acreage of teak plantation per household was positively correlated with farm size and averaged 2.1 ha, 1.8 ha, and 0.7 ha respectively for absentee, large full-time, and small full-time farmers. Teak plantations are being removed because smallholders are getting low price for its products. The land is then converted to oil palm and to a lesser extent, pineapple plantations by absentee farmers, while smaller farmers grow maize. The lack of income from teak plantations is mainly due to smallholder’s weak bargaining power. Policy needs include, among others: empowerment of smallholders in the wood value chain and credit facilities.