Pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] cultivation, its major constraints and ethnobotanical status in Southern Benin

Abstract

Pigeon pea is a minor crop that plays a key role in the daily subsistence of smallholders in Benin. In order to promote its cultivation, this study has been conducted to document the indigenous knowledge related to its production system as well its ethnobotanical importance and cultivation constraints which limit its production in southern Benin. In total, 338 farmers belonging to 5 sociolinguistic groups were surveyed in 23 villages covering the major production areas in the country. In general, pigeon pea is often cultivated in association with other crops. Our results revealed that 94.97% of the farmers surveyed grew pigeon pea in association with other crops while only 5.03% of them cultivate pigeon pea in monocultural system. Regarding the use of agricultural inputs, the majority of the farmers did not use any inputs in pigeon pea production. Nonetheless, in some villages especially in Zou and Collines departments, some farmers used insecticide/pesticide for controlling pest and diseases. According to farmers, the most important factor which limits pigeon pea production in the study areas was the lack of improved varieties. Besides this, pigeon pea production in southern and central Benin suffer from other constraints that are waterlogging, pest and diseases, drought, animal transhumance and lack of land. Several use categories were identified through the study area among which home consumption (as food) was the most widely cited. It is also used as firewood, medicinal, fertilizer, herbicide and fodder. The important ethnobotanical data recorded are useful for pigeon pea breeding program in Benin and in defining appropriate strategies for its valorisation.